Counsellor Urges Respect for Local Languages and Rural Lifestyles
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Counsellor and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioner Frank Edem Adofoli has called for a shift in societal attitudes that undermine local languages and rural lifestyles, warning that such perceptions could negatively shape the mindset of young people. His comments come at a time when Ghana is celebrating and promoting its culture during the month of March.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on ZED 101.9FM, Mr. Adofoli noted that some practices within the education system have contributed to the belief that foreign languages, particularly English, are superior to indigenous languages.
According to him, many pupils in the past were punished for speaking their local dialects in school, a practice that discouraged the use of indigenous languages and created a sense of inferiority among children who spoke them.
“In those days, when you went to school and spoke vernacular, your name was written down and you could even be punished,” he said. “Encouraging students to learn English is important, but punishing them for speaking their own language sends the wrong message.”
Mr. Adofoli argued that such actions unintentionally teach children that foreign languages are more valuable than their native tongues, a perception he believes undermines cultural identity.
He stressed that schools should adopt more positive ways of promoting language learning without demeaning indigenous languages.
The ADR practitioner also highlighted the need to change attitudes toward rural life, noting that people often assume that everything associated with the city is superior to what is found in villages.
Using food as an example, he said produce from rural communities is often healthier and more natural. According to him, food cultivated in villages tends to last longer and is less likely to spoil quickly compared to some food purchased in urban areas.
Mr. Adofoli warned that the continued belief that urban life is inherently better than rural living could drive unnecessary migration from villages to cities.
He therefore urged individuals to appreciate local languages, rural communities, and traditional ways of life as valuable parts of national development.
