Chinua Achebe uses different linguistic forms such as Ibo expressions, or proverbs than writers like Joseph Conrad. Furthermore, Achebe writes also in the point …show more content…
However, the reader is able to understand these expressions within the context, how it is shown by this example: “She set the pot on the fire and Okonkwo took up his machete to return to his obi.” The audience is capable of interpreting this word’s meaning, but if they wish the detailed information behind this expression the author, Chinua Achebe, included a small-scale dictionary at the end of the novel. Furthermore, there is a second reason why the writer didn’t translate some of the words like ekwe or umuada. Their meanings don’t exist in the English language nor in its culture. Hence, Achebe didn’t want to translate them by explaining their definition which would lead to a more unprecise context. The effect of remaining these 36 expressions in their original language – the Ibo – serves again the audience to reach a more specific insight of the culture of the Ibo people in “Things Fall Apart”. Moreover, it “…subvert(s) the colonialist language and culture”. Thus, these Ibo fragments are a reminder to pre-colonial times, and demonstrate the refusal to completely let the colonialist’s language take