Akwaaba from Ghana: Conversation Starters in Twi

Ghana is a multi-lingual country in the truest sense of the word. The country recognizes English and French as its official languages but this West-African country can claim over 80 ethnic languages. The most widely spoken of the languages is Akan. Almost 40% of Ghanaians speak this local language, and this is the tongue you are most likely to hear when you step out of Kotoka International Airport. Akan is an umbrella for Fante, Asante Twi, and Akuapem Twi. You can learn either one of the languages under the umbrella and be fine because they are very similar to each other; their speakers easily communicate with each other.

Akwaaba

Akwaaba means, welcome. This is not to be mistaken with a response to thank you. Instead, it is a greeting that you will hear to bless your arrival when you enter a building or someone’s home.

Yɛferɛ wo sɛn? OR Wo din de sɛɛn?

If you wish to ask someone their name, you have two options. Yɛferɛ wo sɛn? OR Wo din de sɛɛn? [What is your name?]

Yɛferɛ me (your Name) OR Me din de (your name)

To share your name you say, Yɛferɛ me (your Name) OR Me din de (your name)

Wo ho te sεn?

To ask someone how they are doing, say, Wo ho te sεn? [How are you?].

Me ho yɛ, na wo nsoɛ?

Me ho yɛ, na wo nsoɛ? means, I am fine how about you?

Aane

To sayYessay Aane.

Daabi

To say Nosay Daabi.

Mepa wo kyɛw

Mepa wo kyɛw meansplease.

Meda wo ase

To saythank yousay Meda wo ase.

Mafe wo

To sayI miss yousay Mafe wo.

Medɔ wo

To sayI love you say Medɔ wo.