WEEK 5

SITI AMIRA BT SALLEHUDIN

1) Based on your reading of "Things Fall Apart", what aspects of the Igbo culture allow the British to take over?

2) Since Sarawak has also undergone colonization, how have these affected aspects of culture in our society?

3) Are there any changes brought about in the lives of the indigenous tribes in Africa and Sarawak?

Answer

In Things Fall apart, the Igbo’s people seem to be disturbed by some of their immoral cultures such as the killing of the twins because of the superstitious that the twins bring bad luck to the family aside from the sacrifices of Ikemefuna because of his father’s fault. These two are the examples for the immoral cultures that the Igbo’s people practise. However, there are some cultures of the Igbo’s people that can be practised such as the gathering and the Week of Peace. Ever since the immoral cultures can be considered as immoral acts to the people, when the colonisation happens, they allow the British to take over the culture. The British gives them education so that the can differentiate the wrongs and the goods in things. In addition, they encourage the Igbo’s people to convert to Christianity but not by forcing them. Even though the people do not have the intention to convert to Christianity, they can attend the class which the British provided for them. One of the Igbo’s people who converted to Christianity is Nwoye - the protagonist who against Christianity’s son.

The colonisation has affected some aspects in the Sarawak's society. For example, the language they used. My friend told me that instead using 'bola' for ball, the Sarawak people use 'bol'. Besides that, during marriage ceremony, the bride will use dress and the groom will use coat instead using the traditional wedding attire. Moreover, I have been told that some of the people in Sarawak still use the term ‘residen’ to the officer. 

            Mostly the country that has been colonised do has some changes in their lifestyle. As for Africa, they get formal education after the colonisation. Moreover, before the colonisation, the people do not have any religion as they believe on superstitious and the oracle. Therefore, during the colonisation, the British spreads their religion which is Christianity to the Igbo’s people.