How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
His learning to speak the toubob tongue, he realized, had played a big part in it. In this everyday talking, he seldom even thought of Mandinka words any more. (62.4)
Language is a huge part of one's cultural identity because it literally shapes thought, both in terms of available vocabulary and sentence structure. By not speaking Mandinka and even thinking in English, Kunta's become separated from his heritage. He rectifies this by teaching a few Mandinka words to Kizzy to keep the tradition alive.