A sociolinguistic analysis of Ga appellations in Ga Mashie.

Abstract

This study is a sociolinguistic analysis of Ga appellations used in Ga Mashie, Accra. It examines the concept of appellation among the Ga people and the linguistic structures which constitute Ga appellations. The study also identifies the sources and types of Ga appellations used in Ga Mashie. It also looks at the functions, significance of Ga appellations and occasions that necessitate them. The study employs the Ethnography of Communication propounded by Hymes (1974) for the analysis of the data gathered. Qualitative method is employed for an in-depth understanding of the study. Observation and interview were used to collect the data for this study. Findings of the study revealed that personal appellations, clan appellations, quarter appellations, state or community appellations, appellations for deities, royal appellations and animal appellations are the types of appellations used in Ga Mashie. Appellations were derived from physical structures or characters exhibited by the forebears, experiences such as war and famine. The study recommends that the media must initiate programs which will focus on educating the public on the meanings of appellations and its significance. Family heads must also endeavor to make the younger ones understand the relevance of the appellations attached to their names. Curriculum experts and teachers must plan the curriculum to capture meanings and significance of appellations. These recommendations when implemented will gear towards reviving knowledge on Ga appellations which are gradually waning among the Ga people.