4 hours Ago By Ghana News
Twi is one of the most widely spoken local languages in Ghana. Many Ghanaians prefer Twi over other native languages, and about two-thirds of the population either speak it as their mother tongue or have learned it over time. It is common to hear Twi on television and radio, especially during news presentations, talk shows, and sports commentary.
Due to its popularity, many people have suggested that Twi should be Ghana’s official language. Now, let’s look at four countries outside Ghana where Twi is spoken. 1.
Ivory Coast Ivory Coast, Ghana’s neighboring country, has a significant number of Twi speakers. During the transatlantic slave trade, many Ashantis were captured and taken to Ivory Coast, where they were sold to French colonial masters. After slavery was abolished, many of them decided to stay, forming small communities that still speak Twi today.
2. Jamaica Jamaica is a Caribbean country with a strong African heritage. Many Jamaicans trace their ancestry to Ghana, particularly the Ashanti people.
This connection is evident in the Jamaican Patois, which contains Twi words. There is even a small community in Jamaica that still speaks fluent Twi, preserving the language of their ancestors. 3.
Benin Benin, located just a short distance from Ghana, is home to a few Twi-speaking communities. Many Ghanaian traders, warriors, and farmers migrated to Benin in the past, seeking better opportunities or fleeing conflicts. Some of these migrants settled in the northern regions of Benin, where their descendants continue to speak Twi.
4. Suriname Suriname, a small country in South America, has historical ties to Ghana. During colonial times, many Ghanaians were taken there as slaves.
While some were forced to abandon their native languages, others managed to preserve Twi and pass it down to their children. Today, Suriname has a community of people with Ghanaian ancestry who still speak Twi. Twi is not only spoken in Ghana but has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration, trade, and the transatlantic slave trade.
Countries like Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Benin, and Suriname still have communities that speak Twi today, keeping Ghana’s cultural heritage alive beyond its borders. This data was derived based on a research conducted by Cambridge University..
