Conversation
Ibo conversation is very similar to common American conversation. It's similar in the ways that when Ibo people visit each others compounds or obi's no conversation takes place unless the kola nut is broken and a blessing is made. Sometimes palm wine is served. It's just the same in American as when someone invites you into their household ad offers you a drink or a little food to eat. In Ibo culture, after the kola nut is broken and the blessing is made small talk is conducted over a cup of palm wine or a small meal. In their culture it would be rude to be straightforward and "cut to the chase". After the small talk it is then that the underlying issue is brought up in the conversation.
Proverbs
The Ibo culture is filled with proverbs. Proverbs are the way of life for the people; it's a way of understanding. The proverbs are very often used in conversations between the Ibo people. A proverb is a short wise saying with commonplace truth or useful thought. In the book Things Fall Apart, proverbs play a large part in not only the understanding between the people but also the understanding between the reader and the book. Using the proverbs help people understand better by presenting the truth and giving them advice. On this page you will find examples of proverbs used in the book.
One peculiar proverb used in Obierika's thought process was, “If one finger brought oil it soiled the others” (Chapter 13, page 125) meaning that if you don't treat yourself you may bring your burden onto others. This proverb can also be looked at in the way that if you have internal or external conflicts with others, you should resolve them. If you're not able to resolve these problems they can grow larger, bringing problems onto others. By the end of this cycle, everyone has been dragged into your personal problems that you originally were to be responsible for and handle.
"Never kill a man who says nothing" (Chapter 15, page 140) was the first thing that Uchendu had said in response to the story of Abame meaning that you should never kill a man or do wrong by them is they do not offend you in any way. The only reason why you should take action against him is if he offends you in anyway.
Another proverb present in the text was used when Uchendu was telling the animal fable in response to the story of Abame. While telling the animal fable on of the characters said, "There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts." (Chapter 15, page 140) This proverb is very general but it is truthful. The deeper meaning to this proverb is saying that someone who shouts should not reserve a spot of fear in your heart because he who shouts can only do so. That person uses shouting as it's defense mechanism, it will never take physical action against you.
Authors: Tishima Farrell and Roxanna Monshi
Ibo conversation is very similar to common American conversation. It's similar in the ways that when Ibo people visit each others compounds or obi's no conversation takes place unless the kola nut is broken and a blessing is made. Sometimes palm wine is served. It's just the same in American as when someone invites you into their household ad offers you a drink or a little food to eat. In Ibo culture, after the kola nut is broken and the blessing is made small talk is conducted over a cup of palm wine or a small meal. In their culture it would be rude to be straightforward and "cut to the chase". After the small talk it is then that the underlying issue is brought up in the conversation.
Proverbs
The Ibo culture is filled with proverbs. Proverbs are the way of life for the people; it's a way of understanding. The proverbs are very often used in conversations between the Ibo people. A proverb is a short wise saying with commonplace truth or useful thought. In the book Things Fall Apart, proverbs play a large part in not only the understanding between the people but also the understanding between the reader and the book. Using the proverbs help people understand better by presenting the truth and giving them advice. On this page you will find examples of proverbs used in the book.
One peculiar proverb used in Obierika's thought process was, “If one finger brought oil it soiled the others” (Chapter 13, page 125) meaning that if you don't treat yourself you may bring your burden onto others. This proverb can also be looked at in the way that if you have internal or external conflicts with others, you should resolve them. If you're not able to resolve these problems they can grow larger, bringing problems onto others. By the end of this cycle, everyone has been dragged into your personal problems that you originally were to be responsible for and handle.
"Never kill a man who says nothing" (Chapter 15, page 140) was the first thing that Uchendu had said in response to the story of Abame meaning that you should never kill a man or do wrong by them is they do not offend you in any way. The only reason why you should take action against him is if he offends you in anyway.
Another proverb present in the text was used when Uchendu was telling the animal fable in response to the story of Abame. While telling the animal fable on of the characters said, "There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts." (Chapter 15, page 140) This proverb is very general but it is truthful. The deeper meaning to this proverb is saying that someone who shouts should not reserve a spot of fear in your heart because he who shouts can only do so. That person uses shouting as it's defense mechanism, it will never take physical action against you.
Authors: Tishima Farrell and Roxanna Monshi