This study explores multilingual identity formation within a Ghanaian–Hungarian transnational family living in Accra, focusing on how language shapes cultural belonging and self-understanding. Using longitudinal observations of three children, the research examines how early exposure to Hungarian, Twi, English, and additional languages interacts with family traditions, schooling, and social environments. The paper introduces the concept of a “father tongue” alongside the traditional “mother tongue,” emphasizing that both parental languages carry emotional depth and cultural significance.

Findings show that the children’s language choices shift across contexts and serve not only practical communication needs but also identity-related functions, including expressing intimacy, asserting belonging, or creating social boundaries. The involvement of grandparents and regular immersion in both parental homelands played a critical role in sustaining bilingualism and strengthening dual cultural identification.

Despite challenges in gaining full recognition of their hybrid identities in both Ghana and Hungary, the children developed resilient, flexible senses of self that merge multiple cultural traditions. The study further demonstrates that multilingual environments encourage adaptive self-presentation and highlight how language functions simultaneously as a communicative tool and a marker of cultural alignment. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of cross-cultural competence and linguistic adaptability in maintaining transnational identities across generations.

Prof. Ildikó Csajbók-Twerefou is a Hungarian-Ghanaian scholar whose career spans continents and disciplines. Trained in Mathematics and Russian in Hungary and later completing her MA and PhD in Philology in Moscow, she has lived in Ghana since 1999. An Associate Professor in the Department of European Languages at the University of Ghana, she previously served six years as Head of Modern Languages and has contributed widely to university committees. Her research covers language acquisition, sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, film studies, and currently, language etiquette and politeness. She has presented at over 40 international conferences and published more than 45 works.

Christine Asantewa Twerefou is a multilingual marketing professional with expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and consumer engagement. Holding a BSc in Marketing and pursuing CIM-UK certification, she has worked across banking, communications, and education. Fluent in English, Hungarian, and Twi, with an HSK4 Chinese certificate, she supports cross-cultural communication.