Reading acculturation in ngugi wa thiong’o’s a grain of wheat

This paper deals with acculturation in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat. The study reveals that acculturation comprises cultural appropriation and cultural imperialism. In the narrative, the “House of God” represents Christianity whose principles are opposed to Gikuyu tradition. Through the building of the church in Gikuyu world, one can see a peaceful coexistence of two contradictory cultures: African and western one. The Gikuyu people do not understand the white man’s language; but they befriend with him. Although, the train is an imported element from western civilization, it has a great impact on the life of every Gikuyu. Additionally, the text reveals the bestiality and brutality of colonialism. Gikuyu people are considered as discard things which must be thrown in the rubbish-bin. Unlike Africans, pets are highly regarded in this fragmented society. The study also reveals that cultures never meet together but the people who carry these different cultures do.