Decolonisation through indigenisation in African literature: An exploration of proverbial language in Chinua Achebe’s <i>Things Fall Apart</i>

Abstract

The call for decolonisation in African societies remains a continual issue, even in contemporary times. One of the ways this is argued to be achieved is  through indigenization, a process that involves increasing incorporation of indigenous systems and resources in any context. Considering a literary  context and the position of African writers in Africa’s decolonisation pursuit, this study aims to answer the question “is the incorporation of African  proverbs in African literary text a valid tool for decolonisation through indigenization?” A textual analytical technique for the analysis of relevant proverbs  documented in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is utilised in this study. The analysis reveals the indigenous African people’s worldview (dignity of labour and  hard-work, good character, and respect for elders) that was brought to light and reemphasised through the incorporated proverbs. Beside the  incorporation of African proverbs which promotes African identity, culture and uniqueness, this study concludes that African literary texts and the  embedded African proverbs are valid tools for decolonisation through indigenization. A deliberate reading of African literary works as well as both formal  and informal education on African proverbs will help in correcting obnoxious ex-colonial’s ideologies vis-à-vis deconstructing colonial-related  ideas, encouraging acceptable human behaviour, strengthening the mind with ideal values, and thereby promoting African societies sustainability.