Decoding Ecological Discourses in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: An Ecolinguistic Approach

Abstract

This study examines ecological discourses in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart through an ecolinguistic lens. Ecolinguistics explores the interplay between language and environment, highlighting how linguistic practices influence and reflect ecological contexts (Stibbe, 2021). Despite its significance, African literature's engagement with ecological issues, especially Achebe's work, remains underexplored. Achebe's novel, known for its detailed portrayal of Igbo society and environmental interactions, has primarily been analyzed through socio-political and cultural lenses, leaving ecological dimensions less examined. This study addresses this gap by analyzing how ecological themes in Things Fall Apart reflect Igbo cultural and environmental values. Using a qualitative approach, the research employs literary analysis within an ecolinguistic framework to interpret key passages and recurring ecological themes. Findings reveal that Achebe portrays Igbo society's harmony with nature through sustainable agricultural practices, spiritual reverence for nature, and communal ecological responsibility. The study also uncovers how colonialism disrupts this harmony, leading to environmental degradation and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge. Characters like Okonkwo illustrate the impact of colonialism on personal and communal environmental relationships. The discussion highlights the novel's critique of colonial disruption and the value of preserving indigenous ecological wisdom. This research enriches the field of ecolinguistics by advancing understanding of African ecological narratives and calls for further exploration of non-Western ecological discourses and comparative studies with Western traditions. The study underscores literature's role in ecological reflection and advocacy, opening new avenues for research.