A morpho-phonological study of plant names in Akan (Twi)

This study investigates plant names in Akan (Twi) from the perspective of morphology and phonology. The Akan language (Kwa language group) is mainly spoken in Ghana, West Africa, and some parts of Côte d’Ivoire. This study investigates about three hundred (300) plant names in the Twi dialect, with the aim of investigating the ways in which these names are structured both morphologically and phonologically and providing accurate documentation of plant names in Akan (Twi). The data for this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with native speakers of Akan in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and some farmers in Ghana. The secondary data were obtained from existing ethnobotanical research that documents plant names in the Akan language. The study reveals that plant names can be single stems, can be multi-morphemic (involving affixation and/or reduplication), and can be compounds. Some of the compound plant names are perceived as single words, while others are perceived to be separate words. The study further reveals that plant names in Akan (Twi) can be formed from noun-noun, noun-adjective, and noun-numeral combinations. Some phonological processes that plant names undergo in the language include sound changes that occur during the formation of plant names, such as vowel harmony and assimilation. These phonological features play a significant role in shaping the structure and pronunciation of plant names. The study also argues that naming is important in every society because names designate the person, a place, and things and give a unique identity (Arthur, 2019). Both cultural and linguistic factors significantly influence naming conventions across different societies, reflecting a complex interplay of historical, social, and linguistic elements (Guerrini, 2022). Among Akan speakers, names are not merely identifiers but can be imbued with cultural significance, embodying traditions, beliefs, and societal values. It is argued that names are not only linguistically significant but also culturally rich. The study reveals that some Akan plant names assigned reflect the belief system of the Akan people, that some plant names are derived because of their physical characteristics, function, or their location, and that some have symbolic or folklore-based associations.