1. Storytelling:
- The Igbo employ storytelling to pass down history, moral lessons, and communal values to younger generations.
- Okonkwo, the main character, learns about his heritage and cultural expectations from stories narrated by the elders in his community.
2. Proverbs:
- Proverbs provide concise and wise sayings that convey significant life and ethical lessons.
- They are often used in conversations, speeches, and decisions.
- Achebe frequently incorporates proverbs into the dialogue of his characters.
3. Folktales:
- Folktales, also called fables or animal stories, feature creatures that mirror human traits and actions.
- These tales serve to teach moral values, life lessons, and the consequences of one's actions.
4. Community Meetings and Discussions:
- Elders share wisdom and settle disputes during gatherings and discussions in villages and clan meetings.
- Okonkwo plays an active role in discussing community matters and making decisions based on tribal wisdom.
5. Lineage and Respect for Ancestors:
- The Igbo believe that ancestors have significant influence on their lives and communities.
- By adhering to ancestral customs and seeking guidance from lineage history, individuals ensure that wisdom and traditions are preserved.
6. Rituals and Ceremonies:
- Various rituals and ceremonies hold symbolic meanings that reflect Igbo wisdom and cultural practices.
- These ceremonies involve practices passed down through generations and reinforce cultural identity.
By employing storytelling, proverbs, folktales, and other cultural practices, the Igbo people in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" effectively preserve and pass down their collective wisdom to future generations.