Electoral Commissioner of the Swahili Students Association, Hokey Joel, has highlighted the placement of students without a language background into language programs as a major challenge facing language students.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers to commemorate World Kiswahili Language Day, he explained that students admitted without a foundational understanding of languages often struggle to cope. He added that language learning requires mental readiness, and not everyone has the capacity to adapt to its demands.
“The placement problem—where people without a language background are admitted into the program—becomes a real challenge for them,” he said. “Some people are naturally gifted at studying languages and can pick up multiple ones with ease. But others, even after years, may struggle because they simply don’t have the mental capacity to acquire a new language. Learning a language isn’t just about memorising words; it involves building new neurons in your brain and immersing yourself in an entire civilisation and culture.”
Organising Secretary Kelvin Acquah also pointed out the widespread misconception students hold about Kiswahili before enrolling in the department.
He explained that many students join the program with little to no prior knowledge or exposure to the language, largely due to a lack of public education and awareness surrounding it.
“I think one major problem the department is facing is the misconception students have about the language when coming in, because they just have this notion, if I should call it, that Swahili is something they don’t know much about. So there’s little education out there, outside the university community. They don’t know much about it before entering school, and it’s affecting how they see the language and perceive its learning.”
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Story by Anita Azawodie |univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
