Twi Learn language online

Akan is a tone language where the melody decides what a word means. Who speaks Twi (pronounced as "Tschwi") also learns to think another way: in words, in images, in stories that have been passed on for generations. Many in ghana Diaspora understand fragments, but do not dare to answer. This is where our courses are set.

Many interested in Twi quickly encounter terms like Akan, Ashanti or Asante. This can be confusing, but it doesn't have to.
Twi is not an independent language system, but a dialect of the Akan language. There are several dialects inside the akan. The most famous are Asante Twi, spoken in the Ashanti region around Kumasi and Akuapem Twi from the Eastern region. In addition, there is also the fante dialect spread on the coast and Bono in the northwest of the country. All four are closely related and share the same Akan origin. 

Twi is a sound language. This means that the pitch decides what a word means. The same word, in other words, has a completely different meaning. This property makes Twi not only melodic, but also transferable to instruments.

That's what happens with the Atumpan. These are large, paired wooden drums that are considered royal instruments at the Akan. One drum is tuned deeper, the other higher. Together they can imitate the sound patterns of the language. A drummer plays no music in the western sense, but real words and phrases. 

In the Akan culture is a Name far more than one name. He is a spiritual building plan that connects man with his ancestors, his family and the day of his birth. Eight days after birth the so-called outdooring ceremony where the child receives his name.

Every child gets a name that depends on the weekday of his birth. This Nameon Twi Kra Din, connects the child with a certain spiritual energy. Each day, qualities are attributed to the character of the child.

Date	Male / female.	Connection	Characteristics
Sunday	Akwasi / Akosua	Universe	charismatic, spiritual
Monday	Kojo / Adwoa	Peace	quiet, peaceful
Tuesday	Kwabena / Abena	Ocean	energetic, courageous
Wednesday	Kwaku / Akua	Ananse, the spider	creative, intelligent
Thursday	Yaw / Yaa	Earth	grounded, diligent
Friday	Kofi / Afia	Fertility	secluded, artistic
Saturday	Kwame / Ama	God	wise, authoritarian

This system is so deeply rooted that almost all Ghanaians, even those in the Diaspora, know their weekly names and use them in everyday life, even if they additionally bear Christian or English names.

In addition to the soul name, the child receives "good name" (Din Pa) from the father, who often honors a ancestor or respected elders. This name was traditionally the last name of the child. Since each child honored another ancestor, even full siblings could carry different surnames. Permanent family names in the western sense only prevailed with colonization.

The Akan culture not only expresses itself in language, but also in symbols, fabrics and gestures. Adinkra symbols, Kente fabric and the visual language of the hands carry messages that have been passed on for centuries.

There is not one reason to learn Twi. But many good. Who speaks a few words Twi at the Makola Market in Accra immediately experiences the difference: Other prices, other discussions, another welcome. Language opens doors that remain closed for English speakers.