Igbo Oral Tradition

The Encyclopedia Britannica defines language as “Language, a system of conventional spoken, manual, or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. The functions of language include communication, the expression of identity, play, imaginative expression, and emotional release.”

Language is one of those social phenomena which operate throughout the existence of a society. It is a medium, an instrument with the help of which people communicate with each other, exchange thoughts and understand one another. As a teacher of English language I would like to share with this august audience the fact that most of us present here do not speak English as our mother tongue.

Achebe 's novels focus on the traditions of Igbo society, the effect of Christian influences, and the clash of Western and traditional African values during and after the colonial era. His style relies heavily on the Igbo oral tradition, and combines straightforward narration with representations of folk stories, proverbs, and oratory. Things Fall Apart is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English which follows the life of Okonkwo, an Igbo ("Ibo" in the novel) leader and local wrestling champion in the fictional Nigerian village of Umuofia. The work is split into three parts, the first describing his family and personal history, the customs and society of the Igbo, and the second and third sections introduce the influence of British colonialism and Christian missionaries on the Igbo community. The novel is enriched by the use of native words and these words form an intrinsic part of the novel. Unoka, Okonkwo’s father was referred to as “agbola”, one who resembles the weakness of a woman and has no property. “Efulefu”- The nine clan leaders is referred to as this. They also represent the nine villages of Umuofia. Even if we understand the reference of the nine clan leaders still the use of the particular word truly captures the spirit of the community referred to in the novel. Some more examples from the novel would testify to the fact that the incorporation of these words in the text actually helps in enhancing the meaning and the impact on the readers. “Chi” refers to the personal spirit whom Okonkwo blames for his failure to achieve lasting greatness. “efulefu” refers to the weak and worthless men of the village who become the first recruits of the missionaries who visit the village of