Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of idiomatic expressions by the
youth of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methodologically, the study was a
descriptive survey that involved the use of interview and observation to collect
primary data from the youth and adults in the various communities of Ho. A sample
of thirty-two (32) individuals (youth and adults) and four (4) youth groups were used
for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used by this researcher in the
selection of the total sample. The data were analysed using themes which were
generated from the respondents. The study revealed that the youth of Ho in the Volta
Region of Ghana do not use idiomatic expressions in the Ho dialect, mostly because
they were not exposed to these expressions by their parents and adults in the
community. This makes it difficult for them to understand idioms and use them
appropriately. This situation has implications for the future of the dialect: idioms in
the Ho dialect may be generally lost on the future generation. The dialect may lose its
aesthetic quality. The speakers of the dialect may also sound rude, harsh, unpleasant
and profane in their conversation. Something can be done in order to reverse the
situation to preserve the quality of the dialect. This study recommended that the adult
speakers of the dialect should teach the young ones to use idioms by using them in
conversations with them and also organising public education for them. Non-formal
education programmes should be organised for the youth who had little or no formal
education so that they can also be educated on the use of idiomatic expressions in the
Ho dialect. The various stakeholders are also to put in efforts that would entice the
youth to read more Ewe books from which they can learn idiomatic expressions and
use them in speech.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of APPLIED LINGUISTICS, Faculty of FOREIGN
LANGUAGES AND COMMUNICATION, submitted to the School of Graduate
Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for award of the Master of PHILOSOPHY (APPLIED
LINGUISTICS) degree.