Yes and no
Friday, October 13th, 2006Before we came to Accra, we were told that English is Ghana’s official language. However, there are some differences between U.S. English and Ghanaian English. For example, a plastic bag that you might get when you buy something at the store is called a “rubber.”
For another example, yes means “no.” I asked a taxi driver if he knew where my destination was. He said “yes.” Then it became apparent that he didn’t know.
Turns out, as we learned in a newcomer orientation yesterday, Ghanaians say “yes” because they want to please. They do not mean “yes” in the American sense. It was recommended that we not ask questions that could only be answered with “yes” or “no.”
Hmm… this requires further study.
Must learn some of the local language, Twi (sounds kinda like “tree.”) First word learned: medassi – thank you. A useful word that results in smiles from the recipient.
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