I Want My Grandchildren to Communicate in the Local Language: Interrogating the Intergenerational Communication Landscape in Ghana

Abstract

The study used a cross-sectional design to obtain data on communication between grandparents and their grandchildren. Quantitative data were collected from 360 selected men and women aged 50+, whilst qualitative data were collected from 30 individuals. The results demonstrate that the study participants (80%) mostly used the verbal mode of communication. The preferred languages for intergenerational communication are Dagaati, Dagbani, Dagomba, Dangbe, Ewe, Fante, Ga, Guan and Twi. However, the grandchildren prefer to speak the English language at school and at home. This makes it difficult for uneducated and less educated grandparents, who then resort to the use of signs and symbols in communicating with grandchildren. Intermarriages and the urban-rural divide have adverse impacts on grandparents’ communication with their grandchildren. Significantly, intergenerational communication facilitates the transmission of cultural norms and values from one generation to the other. The challenges encountered contextually encompass hearing problems, challenge of understanding what is said, not being fluent in spoken language, as well as physical barriers. Intergenerational communication can be improved through improving listening skills, learning to manage emotions, being open-minded, being empathetic, being receptive to feedback, etc. It is concluded that communication skills are vital to healthy intergenerational communication including intergenerational relationship building dynamics.