Power Relations in Ekegusii Gendered Proverbs

Abstract

Language acts as a primary vehicle for transmitting cultural norms, values, and expectations, as well as thought paradigms, from one generation to another. This is despite language choices in Ekegusii proverbs being loaded with culturally stereotypical language choices about gender. This study investigated how power discourses are employed in Ekegusii proverbs. The study applied Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) by Fairclough (1989, 1993 and 2001) and Van Dijk (2001). This research adopted a descriptive qualitative research design. The target population was eighty (80) ekegusii proverbs. Purposive sampling procedures were used to select eighty power-related proverbs. The study adopted the three-dimensional discourse framework as a method of data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that power relations are embedded in Ekegusii proverbs. The lexicalization and level of meaning of proverbs showed that these proverbs obtain their sexist and obscene connotations, which are construed as being laden with an impertinent reference that derogates womanhood. The study further revealed that linguistic features such as metaphors, negative syntactic structures, and vocabulary are used to enact power between genders. The study recommends that gendered proverbs be consciously improved to portray gender neutrality, equality and contemporariness.