The Voice

The Voice is a 1964 novel by Nigerian author Gabriel Okara. It is notable for its experimental use of language, where Okara imposed Ijo (Ijaw) syntax onto English to express African ideas and imagery directly.1

The novel explores the conflict between traditional African culture and Western materialism through its tragic hero, Okolo, who searches for an elusive "it" representing transcendent moral values. This linguistic approach is a significant aspect of African literature, where writers often integrate oral traditions and indigenous languages into their written works to preserve cultural identity and express unique perspectives.12