Journey of Language Learning: from Ghana to the United States

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our identity and the way we perceive the world. In Ghana, where English serves as the official language, the ability to communicate effectively in English is essential. As a child growing up in Ghana, I found myself immersed in a bilingual culture where English was complemented by French and a local language. Although I spoke English fluently, my enthusiasm for studying it in school lagged behind my interest in French. In my early years, I often performed better in French classes, viewing English as a subject I only engaged with when necessary for homework.

My transformation as a reader and writer was not born out of passion but rather out of fear. During my 3rd and 4th grade years, I encountered a particularly strict English teacher who played a pivotal role in my academic development. Before his class, I struggled to comprehend what I read, often skipping words or avoiding reading altogether. However, his rigorous quizzes, which tested our spelling and understanding of parts of speech, instilled a sense of urgency. Failure to meet the quiz standards resulted in punishments, such as kneeling or, in some cases, caning. These punishments, though harsh, drove me to dedicate more time to my English studies. I became determined to avoid embarrassment and physical reprimand, motivating me to excel in his class.

Despite the fear-inducing quizzes, my teacher's class was not without its lighter moments. After each quiz, we engaged in discussions about the assigned readings. These discussions were eye-opening, as they allowed us to explore different perspectives and imagine how we might alter the narratives if we were the authors. Although I did not fully grasp it at the time, these discussions ignited my journey as a writer. This newfound interest in storytelling and narrative structure led me to excel in narrative essays during tests and exams in later years. My reading of "Aesop's Fables" and "Ananse Stories" helped me develop a knack for crafting stories with morals, enriching my vocabulary and honing my critical thinking skills.

As my English grades improved, another challenge emerged—my handwriting was nearly illegible. Teachers recommended "My First Copy Book" to improve my penmanship, but progress was slow. Coincidentally, around this time, my parents enrolled me in an Arabic school. Writing in Arabic, akin to drawing, required meticulous attention to detail. This experience had a positive impact on my English writing, as I began to pay more attention to each letter, ensuring legibility. Consequently, my scores improved steadily, and when I took the Entrance Exam for Secondary school, English became my highest-performing subject. This achievement secured my admission to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, one of the best secondary schools in Ghana.

However, my educational journey took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to the United States. The transition was a culture shock, as the educational systems of the two countries differed significantly. In Ghana, I had studied British English due to Ghana's colonial history with Britain, but in the United States, I encountered American English. While the grammatical differences were minimal, the diversity of subjects and genres in American schools was striking. In the U.S., we delved into a wide array of readings, spanning history, literature, science, and more. We even read entire novels as a class, an experience that was both new and exhilarating for me. These discussions encouraged me to explore different perspectives and deepen my understanding of various topics.

My high school years in the United States played a crucial role in shaping my identity as both a reader and a writer. I was fortunate to have a remarkable teacher who explained readings thoroughly and creatively, making the subject engaging and enjoyable. One of the most transformative aspects of my American education was the introduction of "close reading strategies." These strategies, which I had never encountered before, enabled me to analyze texts more deeply and critically. While I had engaged in text analysis in the past, it was not as structured or insightful as what "close reading strategies" offered. This approach allowed me to think critically about readings and analyze the author's intent, ultimately improving my test-taking skills.

Despite considering myself a stronger math student, I consistently outperformed my math scores in English on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. "Close reading strategies" significantly reduced the time I spent on reading passages and enhanced my overall comprehension. This experience demonstrated the profound impact of effective teaching methods on academic performance and personal growth.

Conclusion

In reflecting on my journey from Ghana to the United States, I recognize how language has been a constant companion, shaping my identity and broadening my horizons. The challenges I faced, from overcoming fear-induced learning to adapting to a new educational system, have made me a more resilient and adaptable learner. Language learning is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it is about understanding diverse perspectives and embracing the richness of human expression. My experiences have taught me that language is a lifelong journey, and each step, whether daunting or enlightening, contributes to the tapestry of our lives.

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