Class of 2025: Gertrude Grumah

Her passion for preserving and promoting the indigenous languages of Ghana and investigating how they are changing in the modern world led Gertrude Grumah to study for a PhD in Sociolinguistics in the Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex.

The mother of four has had to juggle family commitments and serious health challenges to complete her studies, but she has shown incredible determination to complete her studies.

She hopes her experience can inspire others: “To other mothers considering a return to university: believe in your ability to succeed. Don’t let the fear of juggling everything stop you from pursuing your goals. It is possible, with planning, the right support, and self-compassion, it can be done. Be honest about what you manage, ask for help when you need it, and remember that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. You are not alone, and your journey has the power to inspire others, just as much as your achievements.”

A native speaker of Mamprulli the main language spoken in Nalerigu, a region in the north of Ghana, Gertrude has been studying Mampruli-English codeswitching in that region.

She says: “My decision to examine Mampruli-English codeswitching in Nalerigu stems from both personal experience and academic interest. As a native speaker of Mampruli, I have observed how people in my community increasingly switch between Mampruli and English in everyday conversations. Despite its prevalence, this linguistic behaviour remains under-researched. I became particularly interested in understanding the motivations behind language switching, its role in shaping communication across various social domains such as education, age, religion and domestic life as well as its implications for speakers’ identities and the language as a whole.

“Growing up in Nalerigu gave me a unique perspective. I observed how codeswitching is not random, but often systematic, following patterns depending on who is speaking, where they are, and what they are talking about. These observations sparked a desire to explore underlying social meanings attached to such linguistic choices.

“During my undergraduate and masters studies in linguistics, and in my role as a Communication Skills lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, I developed a strong interest in sociolinguistics, particularly in how language use reflects and shapes social relationships, power dynamics, and identity.

“Given the limited research on Mampruli-English codeswitching, and I felt this was an important gap to explore, my aim was to document and analyse this linguistic practice to show how it reflects the realities of multilingual life in Ghana. I believe that studying codeswitching in this context can offer valuable perspectives into how language works in society, and also support efforts to preserve and promote indigenous Ghanaian languages like Mampruli.”

So what inspired her interests in sociolinguistics? “As a Ghanaian with a deep passion for understanding how language shapes society, I have always been fascinated by the powerful role language plays in identity, education, and social relations,” says Gertrude. “Living and studying in Ghana, a country rich in linguistic diversity, I saw firsthand how language can both connect and divide people. These experiences inspired me to pursue linguistics at both undergraduate and master’s levels, where I became especially drawn to sociolinguistics. Over time, this interest developed into a strong desire to explore these issues further through doctoral research.”

“Outstanding reputation in sociolinguistics and its clear commitment to social justice”

When she was reviewing her research options, Essex emerged as the right choice for her academic development. “I chose the University of Essex because of its outstanding reputation in sociolinguistics and its clear commitment to social justice,” Gertrude says. “I was particularly inspired by the work of the faculty in the Department of Language and Linguistics, whose research into different fields of language studies in multilingual settings closely aligned with my own interests. From the start, I felt that Essex would be the right place for me to develop my academic ideas and grow as a researcher, and I am proud to say that it has lived up to every expectation. What also drew me to Essex was its vibrant and diverse community. The inclusive environment and the beautiful campus made it a welcoming and inspiring place to study and live. Being surrounded by people from all over the world has not only enriched my academic journey but has also deepened my understanding of the global impact of language.”

“Strong academic community and the consistent intellectual support”

Essex has lived up to expectations and Gertrude has loved the atmosphere within the Department. She says: “One of the most significant and enriching aspects of my doctoral journey at the University of Essex has been the strong academic community and the consistent intellectual support I received.

“Being part of the Department of Language and Linguistics provided me with valuable opportunities to engage with scholars who share my interest in sociolinguistics and multilingualism. Through regular participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, I was able to expand my academic horizons and gained confidence to present and critically engage with my own research.

“What I appreciated most was the department’s inclusive and encouraging atmosphere, where both staff and students were genuinely committed to mutual academic and personal development. My supervisors, peers, and faculty members offered thoughtful guidance and challenged me in ways that fostered both intellectual growth and self-reflection. Beyond academics, the University’s culturally diverse and welcoming campus created a strong sense of belonging. The friendships I formed, the everyday exchanges, and the tranquil moments spent around the campus lake remain cherished memories. Overall, my time at Essex has been a transformative period of academic development, personal fulfilment, and lasting connections.”

But, Gertrude says she has faced challenges and she is incredibly grateful to her family for their support and her own faith: “Balancing the demands of doctoral study with family responsibilities as a mother of four has been one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The journey required careful planning, a great deal of resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. There were tough times, filled with tiredness, self-doubt, and personal sacrifices.

“I will admit, some days nothing seemed to work, and I felt completely overwhelmed and emotional. In those moments, as a Christian, I would pause, turn to prayer, and trust God, and He never failed to show up. But along with the struggles came moments of pride, growth, and deep inspiration. What kept me going was knowing I was setting an example for my children and people unknown to me who may be looking up to me for inspiration. The support from my family, especially my husband and parents made a huge difference and gave me strength. I am truly grateful to my supervisors, peers, and friends who kept me grounded and motivated throughout.”

"The experience was deeply enriching"

And there have been many academic successes for Gertrude while at Essex. “Presenting my paper at the Sociolinguistics Symposium 25 in Australia was one of the highlights of my PhD journey,” she says. “I was motivated to take the opportunity because I saw it as a chance to move beyond my immediate academic bubble and share my research with a wider, international audience. I felt strongly about my topic (still am!) and wanted to contribute meaningfully to current discussions in sociolinguistics. It was also a personal challenge, to build my confidence, refine my ideas, and receive constructive feedback. The experience was deeply enriching. Speaking with scholars from different backgrounds broadened my understanding and helped me see my research in new ways. It made me more aware of the global relevance of language-related issues and deepened my appreciation for the varied approaches within the field. On a personal level, it gave me greater confidence as an emerging researcher. I learned that putting yourself out there, even when your inner voices says, “maybe not today”, often leads to growth. I am glad I did.”

“They deepened my resilience, sharpened my perspective, and strengthened my sense of purpose.”

Gertrude has turned every challenge she has faced into a learning experience which has built up her resilience and given her new skills to help her face future issues.

“Like many doctoral researchers, I encountered a fair share of challenges during my time at Essex,” she admits.

“One of the most significant was navigating the isolation that sometimes comes with independent research. While I enjoyed the freedom to explore my topic in depth, there were days when it felt like I was working in a bit of a bubble. Over time, I came to understand the value of actively building academic and social connections, whether through attending seminars, joining reading groups, volunteering in the community, or simply having a chat over coffee with fellow students. Those moments of shared experience helped maintain both motivation and well-being. Balancing my studies with family life was a constant juggling act. As a wife and a mother, there were times when deadlines and plans to visit home collided in spectacular fashion! But I learned to prioritise, to be kind to myself on difficult days, and to celebrate even the small wins.”

She also found personal growth when facing serious health issues. She says: “The most profound challenge came during my second year, while I was conducting fieldwork in Ghana. I was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma: a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In that moment, my world came to a standstill. However, with the unwavering support of my family, academic supervisors, the Department, and the University, along with the healthcare teams in both Ghana and the United Kingdom, and most importantly, through faith and prayer, I found the strength to persevere. I successfully completed treatment and, through determination and hard work, managed to finish my doctoral studies within the expected timeframe.

“These experiences shaped not only my academic journey, but also my personal growth. They deepened my resilience, sharpened my perspective, and strengthened my sense of purpose.”

“I hope to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of linguistic scholarship in Ghana”

Now Gertrude is getting to ready to return to Ghana to resume her role as a lecturer at the Department of Languages and General Studies in the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani.

She adds: “I am committed to applying the knowledge, skills, and insights gained during my PhD to enhance teaching, research, and academic development within my institution. I am particularly passionate about mentoring students, especially those with interests in sociolinguistics and language studies, and aim to actively contribute to strengthening the department’s research culture.

“In the long term, I plan to continue my investigation into Mampruli, with a focus on documenting the language through collaborative research. My goal is to advocate for its use in formal contexts, including education, as part of a broader effort to promote linguistic diversity and inclusion. Through this work, I hope to contribute meaningfully to curriculum development, community engagement, and the advancement of linguistic scholarship in Ghana.”

“Their influence extended far beyond the scope of research”

Gertrude says: “I was incredibly fortunate to have two exceptional inspiring scholars, Professor Enam Al-Wer and Dr Ella Jeffries. Each of them brought something unique to my academic journey and played a vital role in shaping both my research and my development as an academic.

“Professor Enam Al-Wer inspired me with her depth of knowledge, especially in sociolinguistics. Her passion for the subject was infectious, and her ability to ask thought-provoking questions always pushed me to refine thinking and deepen my analysis. Her belief in the value of my work was both affirming and empowering, and it significantly strengthened my confidence as a researcher.

“Dr Ella Jeffries, on the other hand, brought such clarity and calmness to every supervision. Her detailed feedback, patience, and encouragement made a huge difference, especially during moments of doubt. She had a real gift for helping me see the bigger picture when I felt overwhelmed. Together, they created a perfect balance. their mentorship provided a rare and ideal balance of rigorous academic guidance and compassionate support.

“Their influence extended far beyond the scope of research, to motherly and sisterly relationship, particularly during periods of personal and health-related challenges. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and consider their mentorship to be one of the most formative aspects of my doctoral experience.”