Achebe, Chinua ah CHAY bay, CHIHN oo ah (1930-...), is a leading Nigerian author best known for novels that explore the psychological and social impact of Western colonialism on traditional African societies. Achebe, who writes in English, also deals with aspects of African life after Africans gained their independence from European colonial powers in the mid-1900's. Critics have praised the simplicity of Achebe's language, his use of proverbs and folklore, his irony, and his objectivity in presenting complex issues.