Question

Mallam is told to shut up whenever he tries to speak, so that eventually the yes seller learned to swallow his words. why is mallam treated this way?

Also What does this behavior towards Mallam add to readers’ understanding of both his character and Ghanaian society?

Answer 1

Mallam Sile is a man who sells tea and other hot beverages. He grew up very poor, had no education, and moved to the city when he was still very young. He knew no one there, and he sent most of his earnings to his parents in the village. When people came to buy from him, he sometimes tried to speak, but people would tell him to shut up. Mallam was probably treated in this way because he was poor and everyone knew him only as a tea seller. He would obey because he was a kind, submissive person. Moreover, this dynamic shows that Ghanaian society believes wealth and social position to be an important factor when determining whether a man deserves respect or the chance to speak up.

Answer 2

Assuming that you're referring to Mallam Sile,
well, during that time Mallam had just recently moved to town and He's not respected by the people of the town .(he was only a tea seller, and his wife is some sort of a debt collector)

hope this helps