"An Approach To Teaching Twi As A Second Language Using Progressive Learning"
Francis Akutey-Baffoe
African Language Program Preceptor, Harvard University 

People are becoming increasingly dependent on languages other than their native tongues because of globalization. Because of this, the need for learning second languages has significantly increased over the past few decades as research has established that it broadens the mind (Archibald, 2004). In recent times, the teaching of African languages as second language in tertiary institutions in the United States has taken a significant boost, and one of such languages is Twi, a richly cultural Akan dialect. In this talk, a progressive learning approach will be explored for teaching Twi as a second language. However, teaching Twi as a second language, when learners come from different backgrounds and cultures, pedagogy becomes more challenging. A major focus of this talk will be progressive learning, which encompasses several key strategies, such as understanding learners' needs, establishing a solid foundation, encouraging communication, and the integration of technology. With the strategies outlined, it is more important to determine how they can be implemented practically and effectively. This talk examines a typical syllabus as an example for teaching Twi as a second language through a progressive learning approach. 

Bio: Francis Akutey-Baffoe is from Kumasi in Ghana. He is a Preceptor of African Languages in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Twi and Sociology and a master’s degree in Ghanaian Languages (Twi) from the University of Cape Coast. He was a Teaching Assistant and later a Demonstrator in the Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cape Coast between 2012 and 2018. He has also been a language instructor for non-Twi-speaking foreigners at the University of Cape Coast-Ghana. During the 2017/2018 academic year, Francis taught as a part-time lecturer for the University of Cape Coast’s Institute of Education Sandwich program. He was also an assistant examiner for the Institute of Education, University of Cape Coast, between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Akutey-Baffoe has an interest in Akan literature, Akan cultural studies, Akan language and linguistics, and translations from English to Twi and Twi to English. He has worked with the Bible Society of Ghana as a reviewer and a translator. He has also transcribed and translated many research data from Twi to English.

This event will be held in person in G25 Stimson Hall. 

The event is free and open to the public. Campus visitors and members of the public must adhere to Cornell's public health requirements for events.

Co-sponsored by the Language Resource Center.