​If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.

If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart (Nelson Mandela).



Hello! my name is Acheampong Samuel Owoahene, and I am currently a PhD student at Goethe University in Frankfurt, at the Institut für Linguistik. My research is on the syntax ellipsis in Likpakpaanl. I am also interested in the interface between the morphology and syntax of Likpakpaanl and Mabia (Gur) languages. I also focus on language study and research that will lead to enhanced teaching and learning. Likpakpaanl belongs to the Gurma sub-group language found in the Oti-Volta branch of the North Central Mabia (Gur) languages. Bikpakpaam (Konkomba), found in the Eastern Corridor of the Northern, Oti and Ahafo regions of Ghana and the Republic of Togo, speak Likpakpaanl. For my PhD, I am investigating the derivation of Verb Phrase ellipsis, sluicing and fragment answers in Likpakpaanl.


Research Interest

  • Syntax

  • Ellipsis phenomena

  • Information structure

  • Morpho-syntax of Likpakpaanl and Mabia languages