1. Cultural Authenticity: By leaving the song untranslated, Achebe maintains the authenticity of Ikemefuna's cultural background. The song is presented in its original form, preserving its linguistic and cultural nuances. This choice enhances the reader's understanding of the Igbo culture and respects the integrity of the characters and their world.
2. Emotional Impact: The untranslated song creates an emotional impact on the readers. The fact that the song remains untranslatable suggests the profound and unspoken grief that Ikemefuna carries. It becomes a symbol of his emotional depth and the weight of his impending fate. The readers are left to contemplate the song's hidden meaning, intensifying the emotional resonance of the narrative.
3. Encouraging Engagement with the Text: Achebe's decision not to translate the song encourages readers to engage with the text more actively. They may try to interpret the song's meaning by using context, emotions, and cultural understanding. This participatory experience challenges the readers to think critically and delve deeper into the characters and their experiences.
4. Emphasizing the Language Barrier: Achebe's choice highlights the language barrier that exists between the colonizing forces and the colonized peoples. The untranslated song represents the cultural gap and the challenges of communication between different cultures. This serves as a commentary on the power dynamics, misunderstandings, and cultural clashes during the colonial era.
5. Evoking Universal Emotions: By leaving the song untranslated, Achebe taps into universal human emotions that transcend language. The sense of loss, longing, and the depth of unspoken emotions are conveyed without the need for direct translation. This approach allows readers from diverse backgrounds to connect with Ikemefuna's experiences on an emotional level, regardless of cultural or linguistic differences.
Overall, Achebe's decision not to translate the song that Ikemefuna remembers adds layers of complexity, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity to the narrative. It invites readers to engage with the text, reflect on the characters' experiences, and consider the broader themes of cultural preservation, colonialism, and the human experience.