Language, Identity, and the Environment: Indigenous Communication for Sustainability in Ghanaian Oral Traditions and Creative Media

Abstract

Indigenous languages are instrumental in preserving ecological knowledge and promoting environmental sustainability through artistic and cultural expression. However, their contribution to environmental communication in Ghana remains understudied in the literature. This study provides an analysis of the ways in which language conveys environmental values through oral traditions, indigenous-language, films, songs, and contemporary environmental communication materials. The study adopted a qualitative research design and employed discourse-textual analysis to examine a purposively selected corpus textual and audiovisual artefacts. The corpus comprised three proverbs, two folktales, two traditional songs, three environmental documentaries, and four environmental communication materials, yielding a total of 14 textual and audiovisual artefacts. Data were analysed through manual thematic coding, while Critical Discourse Theory guided the interpretation of themes relating to Indigenous ecological knowledge, representations of nature, linguistic choices, and environmental communication. The findings indicated that indigenous languages constitute vital repositories of ecological knowledge, cultural values, and conservation practices. Furthermore, artistic forms such as proverbs, folktales, songs, documentaries, and environmental campaigns promote environmental stewardship through culturally resonant modes of communication. The analysis also revealed that the marginalisation of indigenous languages in formal environmental communication weakens community engagement and constrains the transmission of indigenous environmental knowledge. The study concludes that integrating indigenous languages into environmental education, the creative arts, and public communication can strengthen sustainability initiatives by making them more culturally responsive. These findings provide practical insights for policymakers, educators, environmental communicators, and cultural practitioners seeking to develop more inclusive and effective environmental communication strategies.