Ideology, Identity and Power: The Gikuyu Female Referencing System

Abstract

Language is a means through which ideology and power is passed on from one generation to another in the society. Referencing is a way of life in all communities, things and people are named in a certain manner. People are given references that communicate certain messages to those who hold the reference and the community at large. Analysing the Gikuyu female references reveals that the references are discriminative of women and to some extent deny them power by skillfully communicating an oppressive message to the female person among the Agikuyu. This study aims at identifying and analyzing these references to show how they portray skewed power relations. This study is guided by Critical Discourse Analysis theory CDA, specifically Discourse Historical approach (DHA). The data consisted of the Agikuyu female references which were collected purposefully. The results show that many Gikuyu references on women are discriminative, and portray power and dominance over women. The references also reveal the traditional ideologies that stereotype women, reflecting the culture and belief system of the community. It also gives insights in to the fight for gender equity in this community. Those interested in power relations, identity, ideology and culture will find this paper useful.