Ghanaian but Can’t Speak Twi? Song Issah’s Story
Updated: 7 hours ago
● Name: Songbawera Issah
● Country/Location: Born in the US. Based in Accra, Ghana
● Social Media Accounts: @simplyysong and @kinsocialgh (Instagram) and @simplyyysong.(TikTok)
What does it mean to be Ghanaian if you don’t speak Twi?
For many Ghanaians in the diaspora, this question can bring up complicated feelings about identity, belonging and the languages they grew up speaking.
You might understand some Twi but struggle to respond. Perhaps your parents spoke another Ghanaian language at home. Or maybe you grew up in an environment where English was the main language and learning your heritage language simply wasn’t part of everyday life.
For Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and content creator Song Issah, these experiences are part of her story.
Born and raised in the United States to Ghanaian parents, Song moved to Ghana in her early twenties and eventually made Accra her home. While reconnecting with her roots, she has also navigated the expectations that can come with being Ghanaian but not speaking Twi.
In her own words, however, learning Twi is about much more than proving her identity.
“I see it less as something I need to learn to prove that I'm Ghanaian and more as another way to communicate, connect with people, and better navigate the country I have chosen to call home.”
We spoke to Song about growing up without Twi, the impact of language on her sense of belonging, and why she wants to learn it now.
Growing Up Ghanaian in the US Without Speaking Twi
Although Song grew up in a Ghanaian household, Twi was not a language she regularly spoke at home. Her parents came from Northern Ghana, where their native languages were Frafra and Wale. She recalls: "My dad’s family is from Wa in the Upper West Region, and my mom’s is from Bolga and some of my earliest memories of Ghana are actually from visiting family there when I was around six years old." While they both understood and spoke Twi, they primarily used their own languages with each other. However, Song and her siblings were not taught Frafra or Wale either.
Her parents explained that, while raising their children in a predominantly white school district in the United States, they worried about how speaking Ghanaian languages might affect the way their children were perceived. They were concerned that others might assume English was not their first language or that speaking another language could make school and social life more difficult.
Looking back, her parents have expressed regret about that decision. Song understands their concerns at the time, but wishes she had grown up able to communicate in her family's languages.
As she explains:
“Language carries so much more than words. It carries family history, humour, traditions and a sense of belonging.”
For Song, missing out on these languages has meant missing an opportunity to connect with parts of her family heritage in a more direct way. Her experience is a reminder that there is no single reason why someone might grow up Ghanaian but struggle to speak a Ghanaian language. Family circumstances, where someone grows up and the decisions parents make can all shape the languages they learn.
“How Are You Ghanaian But Can’t Speak Twi?”
Not speaking Twi did not always feel like a significant part of Song's identity. However, there were moments when it made her feel different from other Ghanaians.
One of her early memories of feeling left out came during college, when she joined the Ghanaian Student Union. Other students would switch between English and Twi, and she struggled to join their conversations.
She does not believe the other students were deliberately excluding her. Some even taught her words and phrases. However, being unable to participate naturally left her questioning herself.
As Song recalls:
“I started questioning my own Ghanaian identity because everyone around me seemed to have access to this part of the culture that I didn't.”
Since moving to Ghana, she has also encountered comments that suggest speaking Twi is a requirement for being Ghanaian.
She has heard remarks such as, “How are you Ghanaian and you can't speak Twi?” and “You have to speak Twi if you're Ghanaian.”
Although she understands why people might assume she speaks Twi, she finds it difficult when that assumption turns into judgement. For Song, there is an important distinction between encouraging someone to learn a language and making them feel that their identity is somehow incomplete without it.
“There is a big difference between encouraging someone to learn a language and using language as a test of whether they belong.”
Her experience highlights something many people in the Ghanaian diaspora may recognise: wanting to connect with their heritage while feeling embarrassed, judged or left behind because they cannot speak the language.
But not speaking Twi does not erase someone's family history, cultural experiences or connection to Ghana.
Is Twi the Only Way to Connect With Ghanaian Culture?
Twi is widely spoken and can be incredibly useful for communicating with people across Ghana. However, Ghana is home to many languages including Ga and Fante and not every Ghanaian family speaks Twi as its first language, some grow up speaking English.
She explains that her relationship with Twi has changed as she has grown older. “I see it less as something I need to learn to prove that I'm Ghanaian and more as another way to communicate, connect with people, and better navigate the country I have chosen to call home.”
Song's story also shows that learning a language and feeling connected to your heritage can happen at the same time, without one being a test of the other.
Why Does Song Want to Learn Twi Now?
Having moved to Ghana and begun building a life in Accra, Song sees practical and personal reasons to learn Twi.
She also hopes to build businesses and community in Ghana including her new initiative Kin Social Ghana. Song sees language as a way to connect with more people and navigate certain business interactions with greater confidence.
Learning Twi is not simply about acquiring vocabulary, but about the experiences that become possible when you can communicate with people in a language they feel comfortable speaking.
However, she also has a personal dilemma.
Song sometimes wonders how her extended family might feel if she became fluent in Twi before learning Frafra or Wale. She can imagine a relative asking, “How can you speak Twi but not your own family's language?”
She understands that concern because she wants to connect with her family's heritage, too.
Ideally, Song would love to learn both. Twi would support her everyday life in Accra, while Frafra and Wale would help her reconnect with another part of her family's history.
Her story shows that language learning does not have to be an either-or decision. You can begin with the language that is useful to you now while keeping your family's languages and heritage close to your heart.
Study Twi asks Song: Your Questions Answered
We asked Song a few more questions about identity, language and what she would say to other Ghanaians who are thinking about learning Twi.
1. Q: Does not speaking Twi make someone less Ghanaian?
Song: "Not at all. Ghana is incredibly linguistically diverse and Twi is just one of many Ghanaian languages. There is a big difference between encouraging someone to learn a language and using language as a test of whether they belong...“I know I'm Ghanaian. I love Ghana. I love our food, our music, our traditions, our humour, our people, and the incredible diversity of our culture.”
She does not believe speaking Twi should determine how Ghanaian someone is.
2. Q: How have you become more confident in your Ghanaian identity?
Song: "I've learnt to be authentically myself and stopped feeling that I need to prove my identity to others... I don't have to feel ashamed about what wasn't taught to me as a child. I can choose to learn now.”
This is a powerful reminder for anyone who feels behind because they did not grow up speaking Twi. You can acknowledge what you missed out on without allowing it to define your relationship with your heritage today.
3. Q: What everyday situations make you wish you spoke Twi?
Song: "The hair salon and the market are probably two of the biggest examples. Sometimes you want to understand the conversations happening around you, communicate exactly what you want, negotiate a price, or just joke and connect with someone in the language they're most comfortable speaking. I think that's the part people sometimes overlook. Language isn't only about whether you can technically get something done. It's also about connection. I can go to the market and buy what I need in English, but speaking Twi could create a completely different interaction. That's something I'm interested in experiencing as I learn more."
Many people take Twi lessons for everyday conversations to help them navigate basic situations.
4. Q: What would you say to someone embarrassed about learning Twi as an adult?
Song: "It's never too late to learn. You don't have to feel ashamed about what you weren't taught growing up. You can start now, whether your goal is to connect with people, feel more confident in Ghana or reconnect with your heritage."
Q: If you could give top tips to someone visiting Ghana for the first time, what would it be?
Song: "Come with an open mind and don't expect Ghana to operate exactly like where you're coming from. Part of enjoying Ghana is allowing yourself to experience the country for what it is instead of constantly comparing it to home.
I would also tell people to explore outside of Accra. Visit different regions, eat local foods, go to markets, learn about the history, and talk to people. Some of my favourite experiences have come from seeing parts of Ghana that don't always get the same attention online.
Learn a few words in the local languages wherever you're visiting. Even something as simple as a greeting can go a long way."
Ready to start your Twi learning journey?
At Study Twi, we help Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian learners around the world learn Akan Twi online through practical and engaging interactive lessons, building their confidence. Whether you are starting from scratch, brushing up on words you heard growing up or working towards having conversations with family, you can take the next step at your own pace.
Explore Study Twi's lessons to find the right option for you, or discover our one-to-one Twi lessons for more personalised support.
You do not need to know everything before you begin. You just need to be willing to start.
Your Ghanaian Identity Is Yours to Define
Song's story reminds us that there is no single way to be Ghanaian especially as a Ghanaian born and raised in the diaspora. Growing up without speaking Twi does not mean you have failed to connect with your heritage. Your upbringing, family history, cultural experiences and relationship with Ghana are all part of your story.
For Song, learning Twi is now an opportunity to communicate with more people , build community and navigate life in Accra.
Her journey is still unfolding, and that is part of the point. You can continue discovering your identity and learning about your heritage throughout your life. Why not book a Twi trial lesson?
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Twi
Can you be Ghanaian if you cannot speak Twi?
Yes. Speaking Twi is not a requirement for being Ghanaian. Ghana has many languages, and people have different relationships with their heritage depending on their upbringing, family background and experiences. You can have a strong connection to Ghana without speaking Twi fluently.
Why do some Ghanaians in the diaspora struggle to speak Twi?
There is no single reason. Some grow up in households where English is spoken more often, while their parents may speak other Ghanaian languages. Others may hear Twi at family gatherings but have few opportunities to practise. Some parents also make language choices based on concerns about their children's experiences growing up abroad.
Is it too late to learn Twi as an adult?
No. Adults can start learning Twi at any stage of life especially with as they can learn Twi online. Begin with useful everyday phrases, practise listening and speaking regularly, and look for opportunities to use what you learn in real conversations. Check out our Twi lessons for beginners.
Should I learn Twi if my family speaks another Ghanaian language?
That depends on your personal goals. Learning Twi may help you communicate with more people in Ghana, while learning your family's language can help you connect with your own heritage. You can value both and choose where to start based on your circumstances.
What is the best way to start learning Twi?
Start with your goal. If you want to communicate with family, focus on greetings, introductions and everyday conversations. If you are preparing to visit Ghana, practise practical expressions for markets, transport, food and social interactions. Structured lessons, regular speaking practice and a supportive learning environment can help you build confidence. Explore Study Twi's lessons.
About Song Issah, her biography:
Song Issah is a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur, content creator and community builder. Born and raised in the United States to Ghanaian parents, she moved to Ghana in her early twenties and is now based in Accra. She is the founder of Kin Social Ghana, a community for people intentionally building their lives in Ghana. I’m a graduate of Northeastern University, where I earned my degree in Business Management with a concentration in Digital Marketing.always been passionate about building things that bring people together. Through my content, I share what it really looks like to build a life in Ghana.From navigating Accra and reconnecting with my culture to food, travel and entrepreneurship,
Follow Song on Instagram at @simplyysong and TikTok at @simplyyysong.
This article was created in collaboration with Song Issah and Study Twi, drawing on Song’s first-hand experiences and reflections.
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