Proverbial Language That Expresses Power and Dominance Against Women- the Case Study of Gĩ-gĩcũgũ Dialect of Gĩkũyũ Language

Abstract

The study focused on the proverbial language that expresses power against women and upholds dominance of men in Gĩ-Gĩcũgũ dialect of Gĩkũyũ language within the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis Theory, as proposed by Fairclough (1989). It specifically investigated how metaphors and proverbs are used as linguistic tools of oppression against women. Most importantly, the study examined how context is used in proverbial language to create a power imbalance. By use of Critical Discourse Analysis Theory, these opaque structures of power and dominance were exposed. The researcher collected the data on proverbs that express power and dominance against women from the community. This data was then counter-checked with the assistance of three informants to ensure objectivity and truthfulness, especially in proverbial vocabulary. The informants were between 60 to 70 years of age with a great command of the dialect having lived in Gĩcũgũ community much of their lives. The study found out that in Gĩcũgũ, women have been belittled, abused, and prejudiced against. Men wisely maneuvered the proverbial language that looked harmless on the surface but in its deeper meaning, it adversely dominated their female counterparts. Opaque linguistic structures were subtly hidden in the metaphorical language of proverbs that expressed power and dominance against women. This oppressive language of proverbs against women was analyzed to move from critical to non-critical levels of discourse by using Critical Discourse Analysis theory.