Achebe, Chinua: 1930 -2013
Things Fall Apart, 1958 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Challenging
- Vocabulary – Chinua Achebe uses both standard English and Igbo words (sometimes untranslated), which can be unfamiliar to many readers.
Cultural References – The novel is rich in Igbo customs, proverbs, and traditions, which require contextual understanding.
Syntax and Style – Some sentences are long, descriptive, and include storytelling techniques that differ from contemporary English..
Themes – Complex ideas about colonialism, identity, and tradition are embedded in the narrative, requiring careful reading.
- Vocabulary – Chinua Achebe uses both standard English and Igbo words (sometimes untranslated), which can be unfamiliar to many readers.
- In short, while the language is grammatically correct and accessible in parts, the combination of cultural depth, proverbs, and literary style makes it challenging for many readers.