GENDER DIFFERENCES IN LANGUAGE USE IN CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE CEREMONIES AMONG THE BUKUSU OF BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

his study sought to fill a gap in existing scholarship by examining gender-specific language use within Bukusu customary marriage ceremonies, particularly in light of the persistent issues of gender biases and stereotypes embedded in language. While numerous studies have examined gender and language in general contexts, limited attention has been given to how these dynamics unfold within culturally rich, ritualized settings such as Bukusu marriage ceremonies. Some of the cultural practices like Bukusu customary marriages more often than not perpetuate gender differences in language. The specific objectives were; to establish gender differences in language use in customary marriage ceremonies among the Bukusu of Kimilili sub-county, to determine the factors contributing to gender differences in language use in customary marriage ceremonies among the Bukusu of Kimilili sub-county and to evaluate the effects of gender differences in language use on social interactions in customary marriage ceremonies among the Bukusu of Kimilili sub-county. The study was informed by Ruth Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA). DHA helped demonstrate how gendered language use is shaped by historical, cultural and social contexts. It also revealed how language practices reflect and reinforce traditional gender roles and power dynamics within these ceremonies. The study targeted members of the Bukusu community in Kimilili sub-county who had participated in customary marriage ceremonies. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 40 participants, including individuals involved in four different marriage ceremonies across key ritual stages. The qualitative research design was used where qualitative techniques were employed in the collection of data; interviews, observation, focus group and video recording. Obtained data was transcribed to provide data for analysis. Discourse analysis (DA) and DHA were used to analyze data. The results were presented through textual descriptions and narratives, complemented by visual representations such as tables. The results revealed gender differences in language use in phonological articulation, vocabulary, grammar, conversational styles and non-verbal communication. These differences are influenced by societal norms and traditional gender roles that dictate men’s use of authoritative speech and women’s nurturing language. The findings of the study may be used by policymakers, educators and community leaders to develop strategies that promote inclusive and gender-sensitive language. The media and public communicators can use the findings to promote non-discriminatory language in public discourse.