About

Dr. Elizabeth K. Orfson-Offei is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Ghana and a respected scholar of sociolinguistics, phonetics and phonology, socio-phonetics, multilingualism, and language-in-society studies. Her research investigates how language functions as a social resource in multilingual communities and how linguistic choices shape identity, belonging, wellbeing, and access to social opportunities. She is particularly interested in second-language English pronunciation, phonological variation, and the relationship between speech patterns and social identity.

With a strong interdisciplinary orientation, Dr. Orfson-Offei's work explores the intersection of language with education, healthcare, disability, migration, and social inclusion. Her scholarship has made important contributions to understanding language practices in contemporary Ghana, particularly within contexts where linguistic diversity influences social interaction, institutional access, and individual wellbeing. Her work in phonetics and phonology has also advanced understanding of pronunciation patterns among Ghanaian speakers of English and the linguistic features of English as used in multilingual settings.

As a researcher and an academic mentor, Dr. Orfson-Offei is committed to advancing scholarship that foregrounds the lived experiences of language users while contributing to broader conversations on language policy, inclusion, communication, social development, and the study of speech and language variation.

Education

• PhD in English – University of Ghana, Legon; Edge Hill University, UK (2014)
• MPhil in English – University of Ghana, Legon (2009)
• BA (English and Psychology) – University of Ghana, Legon (2002–2006)

Research Interest

Dr. Orfson-Offei’s research focuses on the relationship between language, society, and human experience in multilingual contexts. Her principal research interests include:

• Phonetics and Phonology
• Socio-phonetics
• Multilingualism
• Language and Wellbeing
• Disability and Communication
• Language Policy and Education
• Second-Language English Pronunciation
• Linguistic Landscapes
• Language and Migration

Publications

Orfson-Offei, E., Ansah, G. N., and Osei-Bonsu, V. (2026). ‘Multilingualism and Economic Wellbeing of Female Migrants in Accra’. In Smakman, D., Anderson, J.A., Ansah, G.N. (Eds). Multilingualism and Wellbeing. Routledge.

Kodzoe-Bonto, H. A., Orfson-Offei, E., & Anderson, J. A. (2025). The Shibboleths of the Kusaal Speakers of English as a Second Language in Ghana. International Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 4(2), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.33422/ijsfle.v4i2.987

Orfson-Offei, E. (2024). ‘Negotiating Identity through Language at a Market: A case of Indigenous Ga Speakers’. Journal of West African Languages. Vol. 51.2. pp 24-37.

Orfson-Offei, E. (2024). ‘Being and Doing Us: A Community of Practice Study of The Upper West Students’ Union of The University of Education, Ghana.’ In Kuwabong D, Anderson, J.A.,Yitah H. and Faraclas N.G.(Eds). New Scholarship on Ghanaian Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Sabayike, L. F., Orfson-Offei, E., & Anderson, J.A. (2024). ‘Politeness in Computer-Mediated Pragmatics of Complaint Tweets by Clients of Ghanaian-based Telecom Networks’. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies. Volume 6, Issue http://ijlls.org/index.php/ijlls

Osei-Tutu, K., Osei-Tutu, A., & Orfson-Offei, E. (2024). Revisiting the Gender Dichotomy in Ghanaian Student Pidgin: Investigating the Role of Single-Sex Versus Co-Ed High Schools. LINGUISTICA Atlantica, 40(1). pp 15-26

Asare T. A. J.  and  Orfson-Offei E. (2023). ‘Substitution phonological patterns in the English speech of Ghanaian children’. Social Sciences & Humanities Open 8, 100631.

Ansah Gladys and Orfson-Offei E. (2022). ‘Multilingualism and Language Barriers in Health Delivery System in Ghana’. Ghana Journal of Linguistics. Vol 11,No. 2. pp 43-74.

Teni, A.K., and Orfson-Offei E. (2022). Language, Revolution and Ideology: A Case Study of the 1979 and 1981 Revolutions in Ghana. Journal of Languages, Literatures, and cultures of the Greater Caribbean and Beyond. Vol. 2.pp 247-258.

Opoku-Agyemang, K. and Orfson-Offei, E. (2022). “These broke guys have lot of energy”: Binaries and Male Anxiety in Ebony’s “Sponsor”. Kairos: A Journal of Critical Symposium Vol. 7 No. 1.pp. 7-22

Djorbua, C., Anderson, J.,& Orfson-Offei , E.(2021)  ‘The Role of English as Medium of Instruction in Lower Primary Schools in a Selected Community in Ghana’. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, DOI: 10.1080/01434632.2021.1998077.

Orfson-Offei, E. (2021). ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder and Language Choice in Ghana’. Pragmatics and Society 12:2 . pp. 287-307.

Anderson, J. A., Wiredu, J. F., Nyarko Ansah, G., Frimpong, K. G., Orfson-Offei, E., Boamah-Boateng, D. (2020). ‘A Linguistic Landscape of the Central Business District of Accra;’. Legon Journal of the Humanities, Vol. 31.1: pp.1 – 35.

Dako, K., Osei-Tutu, K., Orfson-Offei, E., Bonnie,R., Quarcoo, M. and Baiden,A. (2019) ‘Transfer Features from Local Language Contact in Ghanaian Student Pidgin (SP)’. Journal of West African Languages, 46, 22.pp. 100-121.

Orfson-Offei, E. (2018) Phonetics and Phonology I: The English Segmentals. In Iyabode Omolara Akewo Daniel(ed). Communication and Language Skills. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Afriyie-Vidza, S. O.H., Crentsil C., Orfson-Offei, E. and Teiko, N. (2016). English Language for Senior High Schools: Students’ Book 1 Accra: Sedco Publishing.

Afriyie-Vidza, S. O.H., Crentsil C., Orfson-Offei, E. and Teiko, N. (2016). English Language for Senior High Schools: Students’ Book 2.Accra: Sedco Publishing.

Afriyie-Vidza, S. O.H., Crentsil C., Orfson-Offei, E. and Teiko, N. (2016). English Language for Senior High Schools: Students’ Book 3. Accra: Sedco Publishing.

Shoba, J. A., Dako, K. and Orfson-Offei, E. (2013). ‘Locally Acquired Foreign Accent’ (LAFA) in Contemporary Ghana. World Englishes, 32: 230–242. doi:10.1111/weng.12021