The African Ecology and Conservation semester study abroad program centers on learning to do quality field research in South Africa’s varied biomes. South Africa is a diverse and dynamic nation that continues to redefine itself in the post-apartheid era. It has strong tradition of environmental protection, which has resulted in the creation of many protected areas that offer excellent research opportunities for students. Learn more from the Director, Laurence Kruger, returned Cornell study abroad students, and the Education Abroad Office.

"An Approach To Teaching Twi As A Second Language Using Progressive Learning"
Francis Akutey-Baffoe
African Language Program Preceptor, Harvard University

People are becoming increasingly dependent on languages other than their native tongues because of globalization. Because of this, the need for learning second languages has significantly increased over the past few decades as research has established that it broadens the mind (Archibald, 2004). In recent times, the teaching of African languages as second language in tertiary institutions in the United States has taken a significant boost, and one of such languages is Twi, a richly cultural Akan dialect. In this talk, a progressive learning approach will be explored for teaching Twi as a second language. However, teaching Twi as a second language, when learners come from different backgrounds and cultures, pedagogy becomes more challenging. A major focus of this talk will be progressive learning, which encompasses several key strategies, such as understanding learners' needs, establishing a solid foundation, encouraging communication, and the integration of technology. With the strategies outlined, it is more important to determine how they can be implemented practically and effectively. This talk examines a typical syllabus as an example for teaching Twi as a second language through a progressive learning approach.

Bio: Francis Akutey-Baffoe is from Kumasi in Ghana. He is a Preceptor of African Languages in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Twi and Sociology and a master’s degree in Ghanaian Languages (Twi) from the University of Cape Coast. He was a Teaching Assistant and later a Demonstrator in the Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cape Coast between 2012 and 2018. He has also been a language instructor for non-Twi-speaking foreigners at the University of Cape Coast-Ghana. During the 2017/2018 academic year, Francis taught as a part-time lecturer for the University of Cape Coast’s Institute of Education Sandwich program. He was also an assistant examiner for the Institute of Education, University of Cape Coast, between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Akutey-Baffoe has an interest in Akan literature, Akan cultural studies, Akan language and linguistics, and translations from English to Twi and Twi to English. He has worked with the Bible Society of Ghana as a reviewer and a translator. He has also transcribed and translated many research data from Twi to English.

This event will be held in person in G25 Stimson Hall.

The event is free and open to the public. Campus visitors and members of the public must adhere to Cornell's public health requirements for events.

Co-sponsored by the Language Resource Center.

Learn about the prestigious Boren Scholarships that fund study abroad outside Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Boren Awards focus on developing linguistic and cultural knowledge among aspiring federal government employees. Boren Awards are funded by the federal government and are open to U.S. citizens who are currently matriculated students. Maximum undergraduate awards are determined by duration of study: up to $25,000 for 25-22 weeks and up to $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only).

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The seminar series for fall 2023 explores the future of African land, agriculture and food, digging into the contestations, conflicting and converging visions from a wide range of perspectives. How might land be used, valued and lived in, across cities, rural communities, forests, deserts and grasslands on the continent in the future? Who is proposing different visions of land futures in Africa, what are the histories, politics, socio-cultural, environmental and economic implications of these potential visions? In one of the regions with the most youthful populations, how are young people considering possible futures? What are ways that land, agriculture and food systems could be resilient, healthy, ecological, thriving and just? Can there be a decolonial agriculture and food future in Africa that celebrates Indigenous and local foodways?

The seminar series for fall 2023 explores the future of African land, agriculture and food, digging into the contestations, conflicting and converging visions from a wide range of perspectives. How might land be used, valued and lived in, across cities, rural communities, forests, deserts and grasslands on the continent in the future? Who is proposing different visions of land futures in Africa, what are the histories, politics, socio-cultural, environmental and economic implications of these potential visions? In one of the regions with the most youthful populations, how are young people considering possible futures? What are ways that land, agriculture and food systems could be resilient, healthy, ecological, thriving and just? Can there be a decolonial agriculture and food future in Africa that celebrates Indigenous and local foodways?

Panel discussion: An Emahoy century – On Emahoy’s life

An aura of legend has coalesced around Emahoy’s astonishing life, marked by worldly renunciation, steadfast spiritual resilience, and restless migration and exile. This panel discussion will situate Emahoy as a not only legendary, but also historical figure, considering her biography against the backdrop of nearly a century of intense sociopolitical change, in Ethiopia and abroad.

Featuring Hanna Kebbede (CEO of Emahoy Tsege Mariam Music Foundation and Publisher, and Emahoy’s niece) and Tamrat Kebede (Executive Director of InterAfrica Group, and Emahoy’s nephew); moderated by Prof. Fouad Makki (Associate Professor, Cornell Department of Global Development).

This event is part of a two-day symposium, titled Emahoy Tsege-Mariam Gebru at 100, celebrating the music and life of the legendary Ethiopian composer, pianist, and nun, Emahoy Tsege-Mariam Gebru. The events will include panel discussions about Emahoy’s life and archive, and presentations of Emahoy’s music (some never yet performed) in live concert performances, and from her personal recordings. All events will be free and open to the public, and hosted on Cornell’s campus.

This symposium is generously co-sponsored by the Cornell Music Department, Cornell Council for the Arts, the Institute for Comparative Modernities, Cornell Africana Studies and Research Center, the Institute for African Development, the Cornell Center for Historical Keyboards, Society for the Humanities, the Jian and Tran Family Charitable Fund, the Music Graduate Association, and Cornell Centers for Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging.