The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has strongly criticised the continued use of the term “vernacular” to describe African languages, describing it as derogatory and harmful to cultural identity.
Speaking at her inaugural lecture as an inducted member of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra, Prof. Appiah Amfo argued that the term undermines the value and legitimacy of indigenous languages.
A Term Rooted in Cultural Disrespect
According to the Vice-Chancellor, referring to African languages as “vernacular” is not just outdated but offensive. She stressed that such labeling diminishes the status of local languages as fully developed systems of communication.
She further noted that the use of the term contributes to negative perceptions, especially in formal settings such as schools, where local languages are sometimes discouraged or even prohibited.
Prof. Appiah Amfo emphasized that language is deeply tied to identity, and dismissive terminology can erode cultural pride and confidence among speakers of indigenous languages.
Impact on Education and Identity
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted how educational policies and practices have historically reinforced the marginalisation of African languages. In many institutions, students are subtly or explicitly discouraged from speaking their native languages, a practice she described as an “enforced declaration” that disciplines both language and identity.
This, she explained, creates a hierarchy that privileges foreign languages while relegating African languages to inferior status, an imbalance that must be corrected.
Call for Linguistic Reorientation
Prof. Appiah Amfo called for a shift in mindset, urging educators, policymakers, and the public to adopt respectful and accurate terminology when referring to African languages.
She advocated for the recognition of these languages as legitimate mediums of instruction, scholarship, and national development, stressing that linguistic inclusivity is key to preserving Africa’s cultural heritage.
A Broader Cultural Conversation
The remarks come at a time when conversations around decolonisation, cultural identity, and language preservation are gaining momentum across Africa. Linguists and cultural advocates continue to push for policies that elevate indigenous languages in education, governance, and media.
Prof. Appiah Amfo’s stance adds significant weight to this discourse, positioning Ghana as part of a wider movement to reclaim and dignify African linguistic heritage.
Conclusion
The call to abandon the term “vernacular” reflects a deeper need to reassess how language shapes identity and cultural value. As Ghana and other African nations strive for inclusive development, redefining attitudes toward indigenous languages may prove essential in fostering pride, unity, and cultural continuity.
