“Mentumi hunu,” I whispered as I watched my friend spill more popcorn in our uber

“I loved how you said mentumi hunu instead of mennim,” my friend said 

“Hmm I could have sworn that mntumi hunu meant I am not really able to understand in addition to I am not able to see” I thought to myself.

Growing up I was always surrounded by Twi or Fante. I fondly remember my mom ecstatically speaking with family members, her words and sentences interspersed with “eii” or “wa hwe.” While I still can’t speak Twi fluently, these expressions and exclamations became a part of me, and I was quick to use them around other Ghanaians. 

I can’t lie, my initial comprehension gave me the false confidence that somehow, maybe by some magical happening, I would be able to speak equally as well (because that’s how language works, right?). Wrong. While I had not attempted to speak in my formative years, I attempted conversational Twi with some of my friends in college, and let’s just say I was further behind than I thought. I guess this is unsurprising, especially considering the global legacy of colonization and the scarce opportunities to learn Twi. 

While I was fully aware of my limited speaking ability, I knew my situation wasn’t uncommon but, rather, a reflection of a wider phenomenon. A paper from Portland State University notes that factors such as colonialism, the spread of Islam, and globalization are some of the reasons for language endangerment. We’re all aware that colonization’s impact has far-reaching implications and some of those implications affect how we learn language. I felt simultaneously disconnected and connected to Twi but knew if I wanted to gain any sort of proficiency, I would have to make intentional efforts to learn and practice Twi. Shortly after, I joined TwiLearningCenter last July and we finished earlier this month. I’m nowhere near where I need to be but I’m excited at the prospect of one day becoming fluent.

While learning any new subject can be incredibly intimidating,  Twi class has been affirming. Class allowed me to walk in the knowledge that I already have and build on it. Learning among other diaspora has also created a unique community. We have been able to bond through this common interest and even experience feeling embarrassed about our inability to speak. I have no idea how long it will take for me to be proficient but right now I’m grateful for this opportunity… however long it takes.  

It is also been lovely entering a community of Twi learners with varying proficiencies.

#Cohort23