Achebe 1

Language is not usually thought of as being the most important aspect of a culture. Although it does not come into mind as the initial importance, it is truly imperative in communication from one person to another. Without language, one would not be able to express importance, anger, joy, or other emotions. Technologically without language writing wouldn’t have come into play nor diagrams to get information through.  Language reflects cultures in a variety of ways. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart the use of language plays a key role in showing the rank of someone or to signify that they are seen as strong or weak. Even today language is used to offend someone or to acknowledge. The use of language also aids in the completion of tasks as well as asking one for help and ensuring that help will be given. Throughout all cultures, language plays a key role in how you communicate with others. Therefore knowing the right techniques and ways of speaking to others is important in evolving the culture and their use of technology. Without the cultures own form of language, there would be no way signaling even the smallest difference of one person from another. There would also be no way of sharing different forms and techniques of getting certain jobs done. Language is the reason of the success or failure of a person or even a full culture.