BA, MA (Ghana), M Phil (Oslo), PhD (ANU)
Sociolinguistics, with special interest in language contact phenomena—e.g.
Linguistics of Ewe
Linguistics of English
Discourse Analysis
LNGS 303: Phonology of a Ghanaian Language (Ewe)
LNGS 309: Sociolinguistics (only to Distance Education students)
LNGS 411: Syntax of a Ghanaian Language (Ewe)
LNGS 407: Pidgin and Creole Languages
LNGS 314: Discourse Analysis
LNGS 304: Morphology and Syntax of a Ghanaian Language (Ewe)
LNGS 657: Topics in Linguistics
TESL 643: Morphology of English
LNGS 656: Sociolinguistics
TESL 704: Contact Linguistics
“Codeswitching”
At: 2nd African Linguistics School (ALS-2) 2011 (July 18 – July 30) Porto Novo, Benin (co-taught course with Prof. John Singler)
“Bilingualism and Codeswitching”
At: 1st African Linguistics School (ALS-1) 2009 (July 26 – August 8) New York University (Ghana), Accra, Ghana (co-taught with Prof. Pierter Muysken)
2011- ongoing: A collaborative project with Margot van den Berg (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen) and Komlan Essizewa (University of Lomé); the project investigates the role of nativization in creole formation by comparing contemporary practices of multilingual language use in Ghana, Togo and the Netherlands with historical varieties of the creole languages Sranan Tongo (spoken in Suriname) and Negerhollands (now extinct). Project is being financed by the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO) through principal investigator Margot van den Berg.
2011-2012: Project titled, Syntax of English and French verbs in Ewe-English and Ewe-French codeswitching, sponsored by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) under the 2011-2012 African Humanities Program post-Doctoral Fellowship
2009-2011: Project titled, Grammatical Outcomes of Contact of Ewe with English, French, and Logba, financed from the University of Ghana Research Fund (the approved total grant sum is GHC 24,560).
I led two other members of faculty to investigate aspects of grammatical structure in Ewe-English, Ewe-French, and Logba-Ewe Codeswitching. Our deliverables were comprehensive electronic databases on the aspects of language contact we investigated, and two journal papers.
2007 to 2011: Ewe Dictionary Project, a Linguistics Departmental project. The project produced the Ewe Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Health (2011).
PhD
Quarcoo, Millicent. Akan-English Codeswitching: Grammar and Usage. PhD. Thesis. English Department, University of Ghana
Adjei, Francesca Adzo. The narrative development of Ewe-speaking children. PhD. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
MPhil/MA
2017
Kena, Juliet. A critical discourse analysis of President Johnson Sirleaf’s speeches as manifestation of power, gender and ideology. MPhil. Thesis. Department of English, University of Education, Winneba.
Fofie, Sylvia Opoku. The socio-pragmatics of code-switching in WhatsApp group chats among Ghanaians. MPhil. Thesis. Department of English, University of Ghana.
2016
Okyere, Paul. Inherent Complement Verbs in Akan. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2015
Owurasah, Genevieve. The language of customary marriage among Akans. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Nuworsu, Anastasia. Language use in interethnic marriage ceremonies in Greater Accra. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2014
Abdul, Rashidat Edem. A synchronic sociolinguistic study of personal names among Ewes. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Owusu, Augustina Pokua. Linguistic strategies in the expression of modality in Akan. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Ezuh, Sampson. Teaching English through codeswitching to adult beginner learners. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2013
Ayi, Mensah. Discourse Analysis of the language of presidential campaign in Ghana: evidence from 2008 general elections. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2012
Asare-Nyarko, Charlotte Codeswitching in some selected churches in Accra. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2010
Marjie, Sarah. A study of English items in Swahili-based texts. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Vanderpuije, Joana A. Ga-English Codeswitching in radio and television advertisement. MPhil. Thesis. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Bibiebome, Eric Ziem. Language shift and maintenance among Gas in Accra. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Tsikpo, Tobias Kwabla. Linguistic Behaviour of Children of Ewe Origin in Accra. MA Essay. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2009
Amekor, Collins Kwabla. Codeswitching as a Medium of Instruction in Selected Schools in the Volta Region. MPhil. Thesis. English Department, University of Ghana.
Quarcoo, Millicent. Grammatical Constraints on Noun and Verb Phrases in Twi-English Codeswitching. M.Phil Thesis, English Department, University of Ghana.
Undergraduate
2016
Amponsah, James Darko. Codeswitching in church: A case study in a student-only congregation at the University of Ghana.
Donkor, Christie. A comparative study of lexical variation in Student Pidgin spoken in three Senior High Schools in Accra.
2014
Deklu, Gladstone. Gender-linked distinction in Ewe-English Codeswitching. Department of Linguistics.
2011
Asiamah, Florence. Attitude toward females’ use of Pidgin English
2010
Morgan-Eshun, Diana. Men or Women, who learn more languages? Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana.
Sedzro, Theresa. Domestic animals and terms/expressions/proverbs related to them: A case study of the worldview of the Ewes. Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana.
Akoto, Prince Ofoe. Thematisation and thematic progression in English-based public speaking in Ghana: A comparative study of utterances by Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom and Mr. Kofi Wayo. Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana.
Adams, Rasheda. Gender-linked distinctions in the use of politeness strategies among University of Ghana students. Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana.
2009
Yevudey, Elvis. Ewe-English Codeswitching on Radio. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
2008
Obiri-Yeboah, Akosua. Codeswitching in University of Ghana Students’ Academic Discussions. Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.
Ongoing theses
Doctoral
Abigail Kuwornu. 4th year candidate in the PhD in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme at the Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana. Topic: Teaching prepositions to second language learners: the case of Ewe children. Principal Supervisor
Innocent Selasie Akorli. 4th year candidate in the PhD in Linguistics programme at the Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana. Topic: Phonological variation among dialects of Ewe in the Volta Region. Principal Supervisor.
Winifred Otu. 3rd year candidate in the PhD in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme at the Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana. Topic: The impact of teaching strategies on performance in English at the Junior High School level. Principal Supervisor.
MPhil
Stella Amedeker. Awaiting examiners’ reports. MPhil. Thesis. Department of Linguistics, University of Ghana. Topic: A sociolinguistic study of commercial signs in Winneba. Principal Supervisor.
Elizabeth Agyakwa. Final year candidate in the MPhil. in Linguistics programme. Topic: Language maintenance vs. shift in Okere. Principal Supervisor.
Ernestina Kabrikole. Final year candidate in the MPhil. in English programme at the Department of English, University of Ghana. Topic: A structural study of Kasem-English codeswitching. Principal Supervisor.
Daniel Yao Agbezudor. Final year candidate in the MPhil. in Linguistics programme. Topic: A sociolinguistic study of shortened forms of Ewe proverbs. Principal Supervisor.
Favour Mote. Final year candidate in the MPhil. in Applied Linguistics programme at the University of Education, Winneba. Topic: A sociolinguistic study of kente cloth at Agortime. Supporting Supervisor.
Bernard Boakye. Final year candidate in the MPhil. in Applied Linguistics programme at the University of Education, Winneba. Topic: A sociolinguistic study of allophones in free variation in Akan. Principal Supervisor.
Daniel God-Dey Narkotey. A sociolinguistic study of inscriptions on commercial vehicles in Accra. Principal Supervisor.
Internal Examiner (University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana)
MPhil Theses (9)
MA Theses (2)
MPhil Theses (6)
External Examiner (University of Education, Winneba, Ghana)
Publications
Book
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2010). Composite Codeswitching in West Africa: The Case of Ewe-English Codeswitching. Saarbrucken: Lambert Academic Publishinger
Book chapters
van den Berg, Margot; Evershed K. Amuzu, Komlan Essizewa, Komlan, Elvis Yevudey, and Kamailoudini Tagba. (2017). Crosslinguistic effects of adjectivization strategies in Surinam, Ghana and Togo. In Angermeyer, Phillip; Cecelia Cutler and Zvjezdana Vrzic (eds.), Language contact in Africa and the African diaspora in the Americas. John Benjamins Publishing. Pp. 343-362.
Amuzu, Evershed K. (2015). Combining the Markedness Model and the Matrix Language Frame Model in analyzing bilingual speech. In Gerald Stell and Kofi Yakpo (eds.) Code-switching between structural and sociolinguistic perspectives. Berlin: De Gruyter. Pp. 85-116.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2014). Is codeswitching in Ghana still the ‘third tongue’ of the educated? In Kwesi Yankah, Kofi Saah and Nana Aba Amfo (eds.) A Legon Reader in Ghanaian linguistics. Oxfordshire: Ayebia Clarke publishing Limited. pp.162-177.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2002). ”The Mixed Possessive Adnominal Construction in Ewe- English Codeswitching: A Test for the Matrix Language Frame Model”. In F. K. Ameka and E. K. Osam (eds.), New Directions in Ghanaian Linguistics. Accra: ACP Publishers. pp. 147-171.
Journal articles
Amuzu, Evershed K. (2016). The syntax of adverbials in Ewe-English Codeswitching. Journal of Cognitive Science 17 (1), 133-165. Institute for Cognitive Science, Seoul National University.
Quarcoo, Millicent and Evershed K. Amuzu. (2016). Codeswitching in University Students’ Out-of-Classroom Academic Discussions. Intercultural Communication. Vol.4 (1). pp. 1-13. Indiana University, Bloomington.
Owusu, Edward, John Agor, and Evershed K. Amuzu. (2015). Second Language Learners’ Family Background and their English Writing Competence: The Case of a Private Tertiary Institution in Ghana. Studies in English Language Teaching, Vol 3 (4), 466-486.
Quarcoo, Millicent, Evershed K. Amuzu, and Augustina Pokua Owusu (2014). Codeswitching as a means and a message in hiplife music in Ghana.
Contemporary Journal of African Studies Vol. 2 (2), 1-32.
Amuzu, Evershed K and Singler, John Victor (2014). Introduction: Codeswitching in West-Africa. In: “Special Issue: Codeswitching in West Africa”, International Journal of Bilingualism. Vol. 18(4), 329-345.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2014). Producing composite codeswitching: The role of the modularity of language production. In: “Special Issue: Codeswitching in West Africa”, International Journal of Bilingualism, Vol. 18(4), 384-407.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2014). A Comparative Study of Bilingual Verb Phrases in Ewe-English and Gengbe-French Codeswitching. Journal of Language Contact. Vol. 7(2), 250-287.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2013). Bilingual serial verb constructions: A comparative study of Ewe-English and Ewe-French codeswitching. Lingua 137, 19-37.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2013). A cross-linguistic study of double plurality in bilingual codeswitching in West Africa. Journal of West African Languages. Volume XL, No. 2: 73-100.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2012) Socio-pragmatics of conversational codeswitching in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Linguistics. 2.1: 1-22.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2009). “Mechanisms of language maintenance in Ewe-English Codeswitching”. Journal of West African Languages Volume XXXVI, Number 1-2, pp. 221-243.
Amuzu. Evershed Kwasi. (2009). “Double Plurality in Codeswitching”. Legon Journal of the Humanities. Vol 20, 151-180.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2005). “Revisiting the Classic Codeswitching – Composite Codeswitching Distinction: A Case Study of Nonverbal Predication in Ewe-English Codeswitching.” In Australian Journal of Linguistics 25.1, 127-151.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2005). “The Composite Matrix Language in Mixed Possessive Constructions in Ewe-English Codeswitching.” In Monash University Linguistics Papers. Vol. 4 (2), pp. 11-27. [Special Issue on Language contact, hybrids and new varieties: emergent possessive constructions.
Other published works
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2010). Discourse Analysis: LING 344. A module for the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2010). Pidgin and Creole Languages: LING 437. A module for the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi. (2009). Sociolinguistics: LING 345. A module for the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi, Stella Boateng Norgbe, and David Ako Odoi. (2007). Academic Writing: LANG 100/200. Volume 2. A module for the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
Amuzu, Evershed Kwasi, Stella Boateng Norgbe, and David Ako Odoi. (2007). Academic Writing: LANG 100/200. Volume 1. A module for the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana.
2017. “Bilingual codeswitching by monolinguals in Ghana”. A paper presented on 2nd August, 2017 at the joint conference of West African Linguistics Society (WALS) and Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG) that was held at the University of Education, Winneba.
2016. With Nana Aba A. Amfo and Yvonne Nutakor. “Multilingualism and language practices among Nigeriens (im)migrants in Ghana. Paper presented on the 27th of July, 2016 at LAG 16, the 9th conference of the Linguistics Association of Ghana, held at Tamale.
2016. With Anastasia Nuworsu and Grace Diabah. “Like the colourful kente cloth: Language choice at interethnic marriage ceremonies in Accra. Paper presented on the 27th of July, 2016 at LAG 16, the 9th conference of the Linguistics Association of Ghana, held at Tamale.
2015. With Yvonne Nutakor and Nana Aba Amfo. “Language resocialization by Nigeriens at the Akwapem Ridge”. Paper presented at the first School of Languages Conference (SOLCON-1), University of Ghana, on 27th October, 2015.
2015. With Abigail Kuwornu. “The use of o, wai, saa and la on social media.” Paper presented at the first School of Languages Conference (SOLCON-1), University of Ghana, on 28th October, 2015.
2015. With Ebenezer Asinyor. “The poor quality of the written English of students in tertiary institutions in Ghana: Is School Pidgin the (sole) culprit?” Paper presented on 16th April, 2015 at the 1st School of Social Studies Colloquium, University of Ghana, Legon.
2014. With Margot van den Berg, Komlan Essizewa and Elvis Yevudey. “Temporal Relations and Outcomes of Language Contact in West Africa, Suriname and the Netherlands: Implications for Creole Formation.” Paper presented 28th July, 2014, at the 7th conference of the Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG) held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
2014. “Composite Codeswitching in West Africa”. 18th September, 2014, Linguistics Department, Stockholm University.
2013. “Expressing Translational Motion in Codeswitching.” A paper presented on the 16th of October, 2013 at the Linguistics Department Seminar Series.
2013. With Margot van den Berg, Komlan Essizewa and Elvis Yevudey. “Equivalence and codeswitching: you can’t have one without the other?” Paper present 29th July at the 6th Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG) Conference held at the University of Cape Coast.
2012. With Margot van den Berg, Komlan Essizewa and Elvis Yevudey. “A comparison of cross-linguistic effects in urban areas in Ghana and Togo.” Paper presented 3rd August, 2012 at the 5th conference of the Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG) held at the University of Education, Winneba.
2012. “Relating the Matrix Language Frame model to the Markedness Model in accounting for the bilingual language practices of a speech community”. Guest paper presented 7th June 2012 at Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Germany. The theme of this international workshop was “Code-switching at the crossroads between structural and sociolinguistic perspectives”.
2011. With Margot van den Berg and Elvis Yevudey. “On toys, Early Sranan and comtemporary bilingual discourse in West Africa: A comparison of adjectivization strategies” Paper presented 6th August, 2011 at the conference of the Society for Pidgin and Creole Languages at the University of Ghana, Legon.
2010. “The role of language typology in double plurality in codeswitching”. Presented (8th May, 2010) at the 41st Annual Conference on African Languages / ACAL41, hosted jointly by the University of Toronto and York University, in Toronto, Canada.
2010. “Codeswitching as a Communication of Multiple Identities: Messages from the Ghanaian Context”. Presented 13th April, 2010 at the 8th Faculty of Arts Colloquium, University of Ghana.
2009. “Explaining Double Plurality in Codeswitching” Presented 25th March, 2009 at the Linguistics Department (University of Ghana) Seminar Series.
2009. “Serializing verbs in Ewe-English Codeswitching”. Presented (14th January, 2009) at the Final Colloquium on the Typology, Lexicography and Development of the Languages of the Volta Basin, held at the Department of Linguistics.
2008. “Word Order in Ewe Noun Phrase”. Presented (1st August, 2008) at the 26th West African Languages Conference, held at the University of Education, Winneba.
2007. “Producing Composite Codeswitching”. Presented (26th November, 2007) at the International Conference on Codeswitching in West Africa: Theory and Implications, held at the University of Ghana, Legon.
2006. “Serialization of Verbs in Ewe-English Codeswitching – How Bilinguals combine competencies in two grammars in intra-sentential codeswitching.” Paper presented (9/11/2006) at the 2nd Conference on Applied Linguistics, held at the University of Education, Winneba. Conference Theme: Language Teaching and Research: The African Experience.
2006. “Grammars in Intensive Contact: The Mixed Noun Phrase in Ewe-English Codeswitching.” Presented (3/10/2006) at the Language Centre Seminars, University of Ghana.
2006. “Why Frequent English Verbs like go, come, eat, know, etc. do not occur in mixed VPs in Ewe-English and Akan-English Codeswitching”. Presented (28/2/2006) at the Language Centre Seminars, University of Ghana.
2005. “Codeswitching as a Composite of Two Linguistic Systems: Evidence from Ewe-English and Akan-English Codeswitching.” Presented (13/9/2005) at the Language Centre Seminars, University of Ghana.
2004. “The Composite Matrix Language in Mixed Possessive Constructions in Ewe-English Codeswitching”: Presented (3/09/2004) at the International Working Symposium held at Monash University, Melbourne on the theme, Language Contact, Hybrids and New Varieties: Emergent Possessive Constructions.
2003. “Beyond Surface Grammatical Structures – A language-production-based analysis of mixed constituents in Ewe-English codeswitching”. Presented (30/04/2003) at the Centre for Research on Language Change Seminars at the Australian National University.
2001. “Field Methods for Studying Code-Mixing”: Presented at the Australian Linguistics Society Workshop 2001 held (30/09/2001) at the Australian National University on the theme: Tracking language use, proficiency and program outcomes for indigenous languages.
2000. “How lexically based is Ewe-English Codeswitching? A critique of Myers-Scotton’s Matrix Language Frame model”: Paper presented on 18/08/2000 at the 22nd West African Languages Conference at the Linguistics Department, University of Ghana.