Elements Of Ghanaian English Usage In The Writings Of Selected Ghanaian Journalists

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the bilingual modes or technique in the writings of four Ghanaian journalists. I ask whether the incorporation of elements of Ghanaian English usage in the writings of four renowned Ghanaian journalists is a slip or a stylistic device meant to achieve an effect. I contend that the bilingual situation in Ghana resulting from the contact between English and Ghanaian languages poses a linguistic problem to the Ghanaian journalist. I argue that the nativization of English is a linguistic decolonization process ~y Ghanaian journalists in order to communicate with Ghanaian readers. I support this liberal position by observing that the selected journalists have a solid grounding in the use of the English language. I conclude that the use of Ghanaian English in the writings of the selected journalists is an attempt at capturing culture-specific meanings and also at self-identification.