A Triumph of Language and Culture at the 12th National German Cultural Festival
The echoes of linguistic prowess and cultural celebration resounded through the halls of the Goethe-Institut, Accra, as the 12th National German Cultural Festival unfolded on Friday, 8th December, 2023.
The event, a triumphant return after a COVID-19-induced hiatus, showcased the diverse linguistic talents and cultural richness of participants from various schools across Ghana.
Participation in the festival was widespread, drawing students, teachers, and language enthusiasts from esteemed institutions such as the Accra Academy, Deutsche Internationale Schule, Accra Wesley Girls High School, School of Translators (GIL), Collège St. Pierre Claver, and Opoku Ware School, among others.
Notably, the German students from the University of Education, Winneba, stole the spotlight, representing both the Winneba and Ajumako campuses.
Themed "Multilingualism" and co-sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Ghana, the festival kicked off with a warm welcome from the leadership and language department of the Goethe-Institut. The festivity commenced on a high note with the German Embassy extending a warm welcome to the participating institutions, emphasising the importance of cross-cultural dialogue.
Additionally, the Dean of the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education, Prof. Samuel Alhassan Issah, graced the occasion with his insightful remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the day. His words resonated with the audience, underlining the significance of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. These opening remarks underscored the festival's broader mission of fostering global understanding through language and cultural appreciation.
The festival featured on-stage performances by school groups, demonstrating their German language proficiency across various skill levels. The programme also incorporated diverse language activities, providing students with opportunities to engage and compete in both German and various Ghanaian languages.
In a remarkable achievement, the German students from the Ajumako campus clinched the second position, while their counterparts from Winneba claimed the third position in their category. This outstanding success at the 12th National German Cultural Festival reflects the dedication and proficiency of the students and lecturers of the German Unit at the Department of French Education of the University of Education, Winneba.
"We extend hearty congratulations to the students and lecturers for their exceptional performance. This success not only highlights the linguistic achievements of our German students but also underscores their commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and language diversity," remarked Prof. Issah.
The festival, beyond celebrating linguistic accomplishments, fostered a sense of unity among participants and emphasised the significance of multilingualism in today's global context. As the event concluded on a high note, the organisers encouraged the participants to continue their excellent work, paving the way for future editions that promise to showcase the linguistic talent and cultural richness of UEW’s diverse language learners.
In the wake of this triumphant return, the University of Education, Winneba, stands proud as a beacon of linguistic and cultural excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of the National German Cultural Festival.
