How were Ghanaians taught English in 1954? The answer may surprise you
Long before English became the language of Ghanaian classrooms, offices, newspapers and public life, learning to speak it looked remarkably different. And now, a glimpse of that forgotten world has resurfaced. A piece of footage from 1954, when Ghana was still known as the Gold Coast, takes viewers inside an English lesson for adults and […]
In 1954, when Ghana was still known as the Gold Coast and under British colonial rule, learning English was a new experience for many adults. The footage from that year offered a glimpse into a distinctly different approach to language instruction. Instead of modern tools like projectors and language apps, the teacher relied on a straightforward method: introduce a word, have learners listen to it, repeat the word, demonstrate its meaning with everyday objects or actions, and then practice.
This method aimed to connect unfamiliar English words with things learners could see and experience. The simplicity of the technique may seem surprising, especially in the age of technology, but it highlighted the importance of human interaction, repetition, and practical application. Despite not featuring computers or headphones, the footage captures a moment that remains relevant today: the basic principles of language learning have remained unchanged for generations.
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