The Use of Idiomatic Expressions by the Youth of HO in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Sociolinguistic Study

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of idiomatic expressions by the youth of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methodologically, the study was a descriptive survey that involved the use of interview and observation to collect primary data from the youth and adults in the various communities of Ho. A sample of thirty-two (32) individuals (youth and adults) and four (4) youth groups were used for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used by this researcher in the selection of the total sample. The data were analysed using themes which were generated from the respondents. The study revealed that the youth of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana do not use idiomatic expressions in the Ho dialect, mostly because they were not exposed to these expressions by their parents and adults in the community. This makes it difficult for them to understand idioms and use them appropriately. This situation has implications for the future of the dialect: idioms in the Ho dialect may be generally lost on the future generation. The dialect may lose its aesthetic quality. The speakers of the dialect may also sound rude, harsh, unpleasant and profane in their conversation. Something can be done in order to reverse the situation to preserve the quality of the dialect. This study recommended that the adult speakers of the dialect should teach the young ones to use idioms by using them in conversations with them and also organising public education for them. Non-formal education programmes should be organised for the youth who had little or no formal education so that they can also be educated on the use of idiomatic expressions in the Ho dialect. The various stakeholders are also to put in efforts that would entice the youth to read more Ewe books from which they can learn idiomatic expressions and use them in speech.