Sexist overtones in Kiswahili female metaphors: A critical analysis

The fact that language is designed for accomplishing, communicative ends places metaphor in a position of considerable functional vitality in Kiswahili language. This research reports on findings of a study carried out between May-October, 1993 among the Waswahili of Mombasa, Kenya. Primary concern was to discover hidden meanings and thought pattern in metaphors used to refer to women. The approach to this study was empirical and theoretical. most of the conclusions are based on date collected from the field. Respondents offered metaphors which along with interpretations and discussions served as the date of analysis. Considerable use was made of the large pool of sociological studies already done in Kenya. historical documents also formed important reference materials. This study of Kiswahili female metaphor is not only an advancement of linguistic and social theory, but is also a social critique of one of culture's important component, language. Research findings reported here are a valuable contribution to the ever increasing literature on women. They point out an important direction in which efforts should be marshalled in the current studies and generalizations about women in general, and particularly women in Swahili society.