This study examined how young people perceive the revitalization of indigenous languages in multicultural environments. The research team gathered data from a stratified random sample of 200 participants hailing from diverse rural and urban areas in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study employed questionnaires and interviews to gauge local community perceptions toward indigenous language revitalization in Ghana and Sierra Leone. The team also conducted focus groups to gain qualitative insights. The two data sets were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as thematic qualitative analysis to reveal the perspectives of study participants on the importance of indigenous language in maintaining cultural legacy. The findings underscored the significance of indigenous languages beyond communication, emphasizing their exposure to external threats such as cultural assimilation and the dominance of foreign languages. The research team calls on the Ministries in charge of culture in Ghana and Sierra Leone to prioritize initiatives aimed at recovering and safeguarding indigenous languages, as a critical step for cultural transmission and preservation. Keywords: Native Culture, Linguistic Traditions, Cultural Ecosystems, Language, Indigenous Languages, Cultural Synergy
29 July 2024 in E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
The Ghana music value chain pivots on the dynamics of the artiste managers who handle the various music genres. Unfortunately, studies on artiste managers, the types of artiste managers, and a detailed description of their training, and general operations are rare in the Ghanaian context. Hence, this study was conducted to shed light on the significant roles of artiste managers for a better understanding of the Ghanaian music value chain. The research used a triangulated approach (qualitative and quantitative) to collect data. The primary research method employed was qualitative through semi-structured interviews (face-to-face and telephone as well as video calls). The quantitative method was employed mainly as a secondary source from the MUSIGA-KPMG Report (2014) among others. The results showed that different types of artiste managers in Ghana are found across different genres captured in the music value chain. These artiste managers are key at the marketing stage of the music value chain. Thus, performance is used as a channel to convey the music of the artiste to the music consumers. Based on the results, it is recommended that the government enact policies that streamline music skills development by making music apprenticeships attractive. This can be done by supporting ongoing efforts by private institutions to develop the artiste. Thus, a public-private partnership is a laudable approach that has far-reaching implications in creating artistes in the country. The study offers useful information that may contribute to nurturing and developing the artiste for social and economic gains. Keywords: Artiste Managers, Creative Art Industry, Music Value Chain, Ghana
Globally, ecomuseums, as examples of integrated museums, have prioritised local community participation as well as the promotion of cultural heritage and territoriality in the field of ecotourism since the 1970s. However, in Ghana, ecomuseums are a less explored extended activity at ecotourism sites. Preliminary research at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ashanti Region of Ghana revealed that there is less patronage of the ecotourism facility due to the absence of extended activities targeted at visitor engagement and experience. This convergent parallel mixed methods study rooted in phenomenology and descriptive survey design investigated the possibility of establishing an ecomuseum at the sanctuary. The study found that the establishment of an ecomuseum facility would promote Kumawu’s cultural heritage. Also, it would enhance visitor engagement, promote local community ownership, increase revenue generation, and lead to the conservation of nature. The study contends that the establishment of an ecomuseum would lead to greater patronage of Ghana’s Protected Areas while creating job avenues, especially for forest-fringe communities. The study proposes an investment into the establishment of locally specific extended activities in the various nature reserves, zoological parks, and gardens, as well as wildlife sanctuaries in the country, to enhance ecotourism development in Ghana.
One of the viable, but less explored extended activities at ecotourism sites such as zoological parks and gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature reserves in Ghana is ecomuseum. Preliminary research at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ashanti Region of Ghana revealed that there is less patronage of the ecotourism facility due to the absence of extended activities targeted at visitor engagement and enrichment of cultural heritage experience. This convergent parallel mixed methods study adopts phenomenology and descriptive study as research designs investigate the possibility of establishing an ecomuseum at the sanctuary. The study found that the establishment of the proposed ecomuseum would promote and project the cultural values and traditions of the local communities. Also, it would enhance visitor engagement, promote local community ownership, incrrease revenue generation at the wildlife sanctuary and lead to the conservation of nature. The study contends that the establishment of ecomuseums would lead to greater patronage of Ghana’s Protected Areas while creating job avenues especially for forest-fringe communities. The study proposes an investment into the establishment of local-specific extended activities in the various nature reserves, zoological parks, and gardens as well as wildlife sanctuaries in the country to enhance ecotourism development in Ghana.