What are the features of africanness in this text (Things Fall Apart)? as regards language in African literature.

One of
Achebe's main purposes in writing the novel was to bring an awareness of Ibo culture to the
Western world. Thus, although he writes in English, he Africanizes the language of the novel.
Specific Igbo words and complicated names are used freely. Profound philosophical concepts such
as chi and ogbanje are explained in the text or
glossary and are fundamental to the story. The use of idioms and proverbs also clarifies the
conflict, expresses different points of view, and instructs the characters as well as the
reader. Thus, although the point of view is third person, the cultural context is quite personal
and revealing. The use of native proverbs offers a look at the situation through the psychology
of the tribe, in contrast to the attitudes of the British.

Achebe also uses a
third-person omniscient narrator in this novel. There is also very little dialogue, which gives
the impression of oral story-telling. The importance of oral story-telling is evident throughout
the book, as the Ibo people honor and uphold the tradition. Although there is no dominant point
of view, the narration shifts between characters throughout. This shifting viewpoint allows the
reader to consider all sides of the conflicts, & reach his/her own conclusions about their
outcomes.

Even though the third-person narrator maintains an objective point
of view, the interjection of vivd /figurative language and Ibo vocabulary suggests an underlying
purpose. Achebe has stated publicly that one of his goals in writing this novel was to combat
the stereotype of Africa as the "dark continent." Thus, he presents his novel in the
form of a tradition oral story, highlighting the richness of Ibo culture, and the dangers of
immutability.