Comparative Assessment Of Gender References In The Gìkùyù Language: A Study Of Selected Vernacular Gìkùyù Radio Stations

ABSTRACT

Gender-based discrimination within the African traditional cultures has taken many forms. One of the relatively ill-addressed forms of gender-based discrimination in Kenya relates to the language and names used in reference to different genders. Language and its contribution towards the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination has been explored from a general perspective. This research sought to find out whether there is a consistent reduction in the use of derogatory terms against the female gender. This investigation utilised the Social Semiotic Theory and the Feminist Standpoint Theory to analyse the results. In addition, this investigation employed the Historical Research Design to investigate the historical aspect of derogatory names accorded to women. The Gĩkũyũ radio stations include Inooro F.M., Kameme F.M., and Coro F.M. Since the radio stations used for data collection have a good reception in most parts of the country, there was no need to select a specific region where the recruited listener taped the data. The objectives of this research were as follows: to identify historical (pre-1980) references used to refer to women within the Gĩkũyũ community, to identify the current (post-2000) derogatory references used to refer to women within the Gĩkũyũ community, and to compare the historical (pre-1980) and current (post-2000) references accorded to women and their implications therein. Although there are several applicable theories, their associated weaknesses have led to only two models to be applicable, they included the Feminist Standpoint Theory, and the Social Semiotic Theories were used in this research. The analysis included the comparison of derogatory names given to women in the history of the Gĩkũyũ tribe with the ones used in today‟s Gĩkũyũ society while comparing the names accorded to men within the same timeframe. Data presentation was mostly a comparative analysis of historical and current names. Results indicate that no significant change has occurred. Part of the reason for these results is because women accept and use these derogatory references on one another. Besides, many prefer to be regarded with names such as sweetie (sweet), gacungwa (orange), and minji minji (peas). Thus, changing the community culture will take much longer as long as these derogatory references continue to be the standard norm.