How does Achebe use language in Things Fall Apart?
In Things Fall Apart, the first method Achebe used to create “a new English” is the introduction of Igbo words and phrases directly into the text without translation. The meaning of each can be readily grasped from context, but Achebe also included a glossary of Igbo words at the end of the novel.
What type of language is used in Things Fall Apart?
Igbo language
Achebe’s use of Igbo language, speech patterns, proverbs, and richly drawn characters creates an authentic African story that effectively bridges the cultural and historical gap between the reader and the Igbo.
Why does Achebe think English should be the language of African writers?
(p. 61) Achebe’s reason is that Nigeria is a multilingual nation with several ethnic groups and languages. In such a diverse nation, it is only the languages introduced by the colonisers that would serve as a common language: English becomes the only medium of expression.
What techniques does Achebe use in Things Fall Apart?
From the analysis Achebe uses foreshadow- ing, sideshadowing and backshadowing as im- portant techniques of developing the narrative of Things Fall Apart. It appeared that whenever foreshadowing showed up, it often juxtaposed with sideshadowing.
What literary device does Achebe use?
One literary device Achebe uses is irony. Irony is when what happens or what is said is the opposite of what you would have expected or are thinking. We can see an example of tragic irony in Okonkwo’s suicide at the end of Things Fall Apart.
What type of language is used in a novel?
Most short stories and novels use informal diction. Pedantic diction. This is when a writer is highly detailed or academic in their writing. Words are chosen specifically to convey only one meaning.
What is the significance of Achebe’s choice to write the novel in English?
Achebe wanted this novel to respond to earlier colonial accounts of Africa; his choice of language was thus political. Unlike some later African authors who chose to revitalize native languages as a form of resistance to colonial culture, Achebe wanted to achieve cultural revitalization within and through English.
How is imagery used in Things Fall Apart?
Imagery is prevalent through Things Fall Apart. We see animal imagery used in conversations between people to illustrate personal attributes, as in Okonkwo’s conversation with Nwakibie. This type of imagery is also used in stories told by Igbo mothers, to explain different aspects of the world.
How is metaphor used in Things Fall Apart?
Chapter 15 And so they killed him. In this metaphor, the villagers compare Europeans to a swarm of locusts on its way to destroy their land; they kill the first white man to arrive, hoping this will prevent the rest of the swarm from finding them.
How is personification used in Things Fall Apart?
Personification is also used in the novel to illustrate how important an object is. We see this in particular with one description of the yams: ‘Yam, the king of crops, was a very exacting king. For three or four moons it demanded hard work and constant attention from cockcrow till the chickens went back to roost. ‘
How is language used by the author?
In fiction writing, the language an author uses supports the basic story elements, like setting. Diction helps establish when and where a story is set by using language native to that time and place. This is called colloquial diction.
How is language used in literature?
Literature is created by language. When the text uses language in an artistic or peculiar way, it is called literature or literary text. Literature transforms and intensifies ordinary language into creative one. In doing so, literature deviates systematically from everyday speech to figurative language.
How many different languages is the novel Things Fall Apart printed in?
CHINUA ACHEBE’S “Things Fall Apart”, which celebrates its golden jubilee this year, is Africa’s best known work of literature. The slim novel has been translated into 50 languages and has sold 10m copies. Never once has it been out of print. Africa was on the cusp of change when the book first came out.
How is figurative language used in Things Fall Apart?
‘ In Chinua Achebe’s book Things Fall Apart, there are many examples of similes including: Okonkwo’s rise to fame was like a bush-fire. Okonkwo was slippery as a fish in his famous wrestling match. Okonkwo tried to keep his father’s house alive even though it was like pouring grains of corn into a bag full of holes.
How does the writer use language and structure?
The writer uses language and structure to interest and engage readers by using alliteration ‘Subtle, stylish business’. This engages the reader by making MI6 sound interesting and exciting. Another way the writer uses language and structure to engage the reader is by using formal language.
How does the author’s use of language impact as a reader?
It encourages the reader to imagine how vulnerable the main character is by the fact the he / she is all alone and far removed from any possible source of help.
What is language used by the writer?
Diction refers to the linguistic choices a writer makes to effectively convey an idea, a point of view, or tell a story. In literature, the words used by an author can help establish a distinct voice and style.
What kind of language is used in literature?
Figurative language
Figurative language is used in literature like poetry, drama, prose and even speeches. Figures of speech are literary devices that are also used throughout our society and help relay important ideas in a meaningful way.
How does the author use language?
Authors choose their words carefully. They may use imagery, literal and figurative language, and sound devices to make their writing more descriptive and engaging. An author’s words can express his or her voice or that of a character in a story, even without stating it directly.
How does a writer use language to describe?
Descriptive language is used to help the reader feel almost as if they are a part of the scene or event being described. Description is useful because it helps readers engage with the world of the story, often creating an emotional response. It can help a reader visualise what a character or a place is like.