About Us
LanguageWatch Foundation (LWF) is an association of professionals and practitioners of language & culture, linguists, and communication experts. This body understands and believes strongly that the spoken word is powerful and must be handled carefully, in both interpersonal communication and in public settings, especially in media discourse. Words indeed can kill or save, make and unmake, break or unbreak. Words can open and same close doors. LWF therefore embarks on programs that draw attention to the power of the spoken word. Our outreach programs promote and encourage the use of decorous and polite language, especially in media, political, religious, domestic, health care, business settings and in all aspects of communication for national peace, stability and cohesion.
Obviously, the liberalization of the airwaves and media pluralism in the country has broadened citizens' involvement and participation (panel discussions, phone-ins, txt messages, etc.) in governance and other critical sectors of the economy/country. Whereas media pluralism and citizens' participation have contributed significantly to information sharing, knowledge acquisition and national development among others, there is also a growing concern among a cross-section of Ghanaians about the use of intemperate language (words, phrases and sentences). The invectives, vulgar, inflammatory language used by some political figures, supporters, callers and panel members have the potential to inflame passions, incite others and create avoidable problems, confusion, and conflict.
As part of our contribution to national unity and solidarity, LanguageWatch Foundation creates awareness and sensitizes the general public on the power of the spoken words, and thus encourage and promote careful use of language for national peace and development.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.)
Dr. Nana Anima Wiafe-Akenten
popularly known for the first PhD holder in Twi – Ghanaian Language Studies
She is a language, culture, media & communication expert, specialized in the area of Ethnography of Communication - Media Discourse, Socio-cultural & Political Discourse), Oral Literature & Written Literature, Cultural Studies, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Translation & Interpretation, Voice & Speech, Effective Communication.
Our Vision
To become the leading language experts and practitioners widely known for propagating polite speeches and decorous language in domestic, media, political, religious, health care, business and other public settings.
Mission Statement
LWF will:
- ⮚Objectively observe language use in media, political, and other public settings.
- ⮚Draw attention to the harmful effects of negative words, and seek ways to make speakers understand and appreciate the need to avoid incendiary utterances.
Objectives
- ⮚Draw attention to power of the spoken words.
- ⮚Call attention to the effects of hate and inflammatory speeches such as, insults/invectives, incitement, defamation, bias and ethnocentric statements.
- ⮚Urge the media to discourage hate speeches and vulgar language, rather than reinforce them.
- ⮚Make interventions and draw speakers' attention to effects of use of negative words and insults on listeners' emotion and psychological well-being.
- ⮚Organize workshops, seminars and fora on appropriate, decorous and polite use of language in both public and private spheres.
Other Activities & Services
⮚ Our Speaking Club (#Kasadɛ, Kasahwam, #YԑnhwԑYԑnKasaYie)
Speaking skills seminars are organized for club members. Members receive mediation and counseling services on use of sensitive/delicate utterances, effective communication in marriage & family life, work places, customer services/relations etc. (KASA - Word Therapy & Peace Outreach)
⮚ NAWA Language & Culture Club - Efie Nimdeɛ Fie (Children & Youth)
Members are engaged in activities (such as reading, writing, role play) that encourage learning of their language (mother tongue), cultural values, etiquettes, politeness strategies and speaking skills in general.
⮚ NAWA Public Lectures
Research, Public Lectures, Publications, Workshops (language & media, politics, law court, church, chief palace, health care, business etc.)
⮚ Skills Training: Strategic Context & Effective Communication (SCEFFCOM CONSULT)
Socio-Cultural & Political Context of Speaking, Communicative Competence & Public Speaking Skills, Effective Communication, Voice & Speech (language & media, politics, law court, church, chief palace, health care, business etc.)