English Written Task Rationale Essay

This is a modern dummies guide is based on the text, “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, and is based on the part 4 of the course; it explores the theme of Spirituality in the Igbo religion, ”Juju” in very specific details with mostly allusions to spirits. This section of the “Dummies Guide to Juju”, explains in detail how to pray to ancestors/spirits to bring good fortune and protection.

Writing from the viewpoint of a strong believer in the religion, the text was written in an assertive manner towards readers, “You should.

” Also, in a style that demonstrates how strongly practitioners believe in their religion, very arrogantly, almost as if it were a fact. To adapt to the style of a dummies guide, every word that is newly introduced in Igbo, is highlighted in a different font (Apple Chancery). Also, important details in “Juju” are printed in bold to and the most important details are marked with an asterix. To facilitate understanding diagrams are included to illustrate the hierarchy of the gods and bulleting point to simplify the ritual process and underlined sub-titles.

This “dummies guide” is written for beginners and foreigners of the religion. There are many allusions to spirits, as well as detailed descriptions of how and why they carry out their rituals in a way that a “foreigner” could understand on a step-by-step basis. It also explains why spirits and ancestors are important and their significance in the lives of followers.

This “dummies guide” similar to the text “Things Fall Apart” aims to give a “foreign” audience the opportunity to live and experience Igbo culture through the eyes of “Juju” practitioner. This text aims to give more context and reason behind Igbo practice, which contrasts the stereotypical beliefs that Africans are barbaric socially backward.