Ghana, English, cultural alienation: A critical theory perspective
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the sociocultural experiences that Ghanaian university graduates and students of the diaspora had with the use of English as the dominant medium of instruction in Ghanaian schools. It further investigated the relationship between these experiences and cultural alienation to find out how Ghanaian students could become more useful members of their society. Conducted through a survey, the sociocultural experiences of the respondents were tapped to find out the nature of the experiences that were related to the educational system and the connections between these experiences and cultural alienation. Survey data were collected through open-ended questions that primarily used the internet. Using inductive analysis the following findings emerged. Most respondents did not encounter major problems learning in English. However, several respondents had difficulties understanding concepts that generally did not exist in their culture and language. The English medium per se did not alienate Ghanaian students from their cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the educational system, based on Anglo-Saxon culture alienated several respondents from traditional Ghanaian culture. English enjoys prestige as the major instrument of socioeconomic and political mobility in academic circles. Respondents who were not competent in English in this circle faced insecurity and negative reaction. From these findings proposals were offered to transform the educational system to incorporate Ghanaian culture by promoting the study of Ghanaian languages and culture especially in presenior secondary education. It is hoped that this process could anchor students firmly in their native culture before they become exposed to Western culture. This study suggested multicultural education as a means to help students to appreciate their cultural heritage and to become more useful members of their society.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Garfinkel, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Curricula|Teaching|Bilingual education|Multicultural education|Educational sociology
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