(Re)Visiting the Semantics of Some Northern Sotho Gender-Related Proverbs: A Gender Schema Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6697/19821Keywords:
proverbs, semantics, culture, gender, folklore, masculine, feminineAbstract
Several gender-related Northern Sotho proverbs are often interpreted in a limited, one-sided manner by language custodians, even though their meanings may allow dual interpretations. For instance, in Northern Sotho culture, the proverb Lebitla la monna le kgauswi ga tsela is typically understood as placing responsibility solely on men, while there are women who have equally taken the responsibility for feeding their families. This study examines 13 gender-related Northern Sotho proverbs to decipher their deeper semantic dimensions. Adopting a qualitative approach, it examines the selected proverbs that are believed to be gender-specific. Data were drawn primarily through textual analysis, with Rakoma’s Marema-Ka-Dika tša Sesotho sa Lebowa (1978) providing some proverbs, and supplemented by observation of how contemporary Northern Sotho speakers use and interpret these proverbs in cultural contexts. The proverbs were purposively sampled for their relevancy to the topic under discussion. Thematic analysis was used to revisit their semantics. The gender schema theory by Sandra Bem guides the study with regard to how individuals internalise the cultural meanings of gendered proverbs as well as their application and attitudes towards such proverbs. The article argues that though some Northern Sotho proverbs employ generic masculine nouns, they are contextually applicable to both genders. A few proverbs that carry feminine nouns also form a crucial part of this study.
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