The reading was especially challenging but helpful to understanding which elements of language study I would have to place special attention on to improve my language capability in Twi. Applied linguistics and its practicality is the approach to my learning that I am drawn to. Phonology and Syntax are the elements that I know I need to personally focus on to accomplish my goals of speaking and writing the language at a good pace. Understanding how sounds are organized helps your unconscious brain fill in gaps in words and sentences with what would fit contextually. For example, if the word is “Ono” when a verb follows this word, the word gets shortened to “O” to be slapped onto the beginning of the next word. If I forget how the sentence is supposed to sound, I could remember the verb rules. In Twi, this understanding is the difference between sounding native and sounding like a foreigner. Also, in Twi interestingly enough, tone and facial expressions mean a lot. When I am reading Twi, all the tonal references disappear and I am forced to reread to gather context and imagine how it would be said. Hopefully, as I learn more, that process can become quicker and I can use the text as my sole reference to understand. Combining the disciplinary perspectives to find a meaningful learning plan really comes down to understanding what is important in society. My own father has spoken Twi for his entire life fluently but cannot read it so I know that semantics and pronunciation will serve me best in my time studying.
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