Sign language research in Ghana: An overview of indigenous and foreign-based sign languages (Author’s reflection)

In early 2021, I had the privilege of co-authoring a journal paper with Prof. George Akanlig-Pare, titled “Sign Language Research in Ghana: An Overview of Indigenous and Foreign-Based Sign Languages." The paper was published in the Journal of African Languages and Literatures. Prof. Akanlig-Pare, whom I affectionately call "Uncle George," has played a pivotal role in my journey as a sign linguist. It was during my undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana that he sparked my passion for sign language linguistics. With deep conviction and enthusiasm, Uncle George has consistently advocated for sign language research and the Ghanaian Deaf community. He often voiced concerns over the inadequate approach to Deaf education in Ghana and the limited number of researchers focusing on sign languages in the country. Collaborating with him to review sign language research in Ghana was not only a pleasure but also a meaningful step towards addressing these challenges.


The acceptance of sign language as a full-fledged human language deserving of linguistic research and advancement has grown in recent years. The complex relationship between indigenous sign languages, such as Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL), and foreign-based sign languages, such Ghanaian Sign Language (GhSL), which is derived from American Sign Language (ASL), characterises the Ghanaian experience. In the paper I co-authored with Uncle George, we present an overview of Ghana's sign language research with particular attention to the languages' future, challenges, and important contributions. I summarise some of the conclusions we reached in this paper in the blog.

Indigenous Sign Languages in Ghana


The Adamorobe community, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, is home to one of the oldest known indigenous African sign languages, AdaSL. It is a shared signing community where both deaf and hearing people use the language, making it unique in the world. Despite this rich history, AdaSL faces challenges today, including reduced use among hearing individuals and a decline in the deaf population due to social policies, such as the prohibition of marriage between two deaf individuals.

Nanabin Sign Language (NanaSL) is another indigenous sign language, emerging within a family with a high incidence of hereditary deafness. Though less studied than AdaSL, NanaSL shares some similarities in articulatory features and sign space usage with AdaSL, despite being distinct in structure and vocabulary.

Both of these languages highlight the linguistic diversity present within Ghana’s indigenous deaf communities. These sign languages also face risks of endangerment due to factors like language contact and the prominence of GhSL in urban areas.

The Role of Foreign-Based Sign Languages


The introduction of foreign-based sign languages in Ghana is closely linked to the work of Rev. Dr. Andrew Foster, a pioneering African-American missionary. Foster is credited with introducing formal Deaf education across Africa, including Ghana, in the late 1950s. The language he taught, influenced by ASL, gave rise to GhSL, which is now used in Deaf education, the media, and urban religious settings.

While GhSL has become widespread, its dominance comes at a cost. Indigenous sign languages, particularly AdaSL, face the risk of extinction due to the influence of GhSL, which is perceived as more prestigious, especially among the younger generation. This situation hints the importance of language preservation efforts for indigenous sign languages in Ghana.

Sociolinguistic Issues and Language Contact


Ghana’s multilingual society presents both opportunities and challenges for sign language users. In rural areas like Adamorobe, AdaSL users come into frequent contact with speakers of Akuapem Twi dialect of Akan, Ga, and Ewe, leading to language mixing and borrowing. Furthermore, the introduction of GhSL into AdaSL-speaking community has raised questions about the future of AdaSL; myself and other academics have predicted that it will eventually be endangered.

The introduction of ASL through religious and educational programs has also left its mark on Ghana’s Deaf community, further complicating the linguistic environment.

Looking Ahead: Documentation and Preservation


Preserving indigenous sign languages like AdaSL and NanaSL is critical to maintaining the cultural heritage of Ghana’s Deaf communities. Researchers emphasise the need for documentation, particularly through video recordings, storytelling, and the development of sign language databases. These efforts not only safeguard linguistic diversity but also provide future generations with the tools to study and appreciate the unique features of these languages.

In summary, the field of sign language research in Ghana is dynamic and expanding, characterised by both advancements and difficulties. While foreign-based sign languages such as GhSL provide opportunity for standardisation and broad usage, continued research, documentation, and community involvement are essential to the survival of indigenous sign languages.


Reference 
Edward, M. & Akanlig-Pare, G. (2021). Sign language research in Ghana: An overview of Indigenous and foreign-based sign languages. Journal of African Languages and Literatures, Vol. 2. 114-137. https://doi.org/10.6092/jalalit.v2i2.8039
Download paper here










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