Purism and Decay in Akan Language
The Role of Radio and TV Broadcasters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61307/gjl.v13i1.581Keywords:
Language decadence, linguistic purism, linguistic innovation, language change,Abstract
The paper discusses language change and purism in Akan Media Discourse (hereafter AMD). It argues that even though the electronic media has played a tremendous role in the development of the Akan language, it is negatively affecting the purity of the language. The paper investigates the areas of decadence including phonology, improper pronunciation, and wrong semantic and lexical usage, improper neologism, borrowing from some Ghanaian language structures (syntax), as well as code-switching and code mixing. Other areas of decadence include over-colouring of news; overly use of proverbs, humour in news and use of taboo expressions. The paper will explore the causes of Akan language decadence. A qualitative data was collected from Akan sports discussion, news items and talk shows from four (4) radio stations in Accra namely, Peace FM, Adom FM, Accra FM and Oman FM. Interviews were conducted from renowned broadcasters to find out their perceptions about the current use of Akan on radio and TV.
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