Elements of Ghanaian English Usage in the Writings of Selected Ghanaian Journalists

ABSTRACT

This study is an analysis of the bilingual modes or technique in the writings offour Ghanaian journalists. I ask whether the incorporation of elements of Ghanaian English usage in the writings offour renowned Ghanaianjoumalists is a slip or a stylistic device meant to achieve an effect. I contend that the bilingual situation in Ghana resulting from the contact between EngI ish and Ghanaian languages poses a linguistic problem to the Ghanaian journalist. I argue that the nativization of English is a linguistic decolonization process ~y Ghanaian journal ists in order to communicate with Ghanaian readers. I support this liberal position by observi ng that the selected journalists have a solid grounding in the use of the English language. I conclude that the use of Ghanaian English in the writings of the selected journalists is an anempt at capturing culture-specific meanings and also at self-identification.