Nervous Conditions Entry One: Westernisation and Education

Perhaps one of the most prevalent themes in Nervous Conditions is the theme of westernisation.

Tambu mentions: "Then when Nhamo came home at the end of his first year with Babamukuru, you could see he too was no longer the same person... there was one terrible change. He had forgotten how to speak Shona." (53)

This quote in its entirety describes how Nhamo was become more westernized. Tambu describes him as having looked healthier and fuller but more importantly he lost touch with his "cultural roots" his once primary language Shona becomes dominated by his English. This  idea of speaking English best shows westernisation because Nhamo's family more specifically his father believes that his English speaking skills are necessary for the families survival.

"The more time Nhamo spent at Babamukuru's, the more aphasic he became and the more my father was convinced that he was being educated." (53)

Again this quote reenforces the effect of westernisation on Nhamo from Tambu's point of view. The authors idea of westernisation goes hand in hand with education, in fact this is more or less what her definition is, becoming educated. Babamukuru's arrival from England is perhaps the best example of westernisation:

 "Babamukuru was concerned about the way in which the family was developing, pointing out that as an individual he had done what he could for the family's status by obtaining a Master's Degree; that he hoped his children would do as much again, if not more; that he was pleased that he was iin a position to provide his children with a fine start in that direction." (44)

Babamukuru having returned from England believes that the key to his families success lies in a good education. These ideas undoubtedly stem from his stay in his England, and this further proves the effect of westernisation on him. Babamukuru's westernisation goes further than just his education it has a large influence on his home as well as his family. Tambu describes her uncles westernisation through the details she has noticed at his house, the ammonia cleaner, tea strainers a large assortment of English tea etc. She describes her uncles house as being "decorated with the sort of accessories that the local interpretations of British interior-decor magazines were describing as standard" (70).