Abstract:
This study sought to investigate the language used in female genital mutilation (FGM) discourse in circumcision songs among the Abagusii community in Kenya. This is due to the fact that, despite the national and international campaigns against FGM, this practice lingers on in this community. Hence, this study sought to describe the language features used in FGM discourse, examine how social identities and relations are built through this discourse and the effects of the language used in nurturing this practice among the Abagusii. Ten circumcision songs were analyzed to shed light on the effect of language in regard to this practice. The study was based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theory, which looks at discourse in a three –dimensional approach, by looking at the relationship between text, discursive practice and the social practice. This theory embraces five tenets: That, discourse shapes and is shaped by society; discourse helps constitute (and change) knowledge, social relations and social identity; discourse is shaped by relations of power and invested in ideologies; the shaping of discourse is a stake in power struggles; and shows how society and discourse shape each other. These five tenets guided our research in congruence with our research objectives. Descriptive survey was used as our research design, whereby circumcision songs were recorded from focus group discussions for analysis as discourse texts. Tools for data collection included an interview schedule, a tape recorder and audio cassettes. A total of 16 circumcision songs were collected and 10 were purposively sampled as texts for analysis. Data analysis was done by describing the language features that included: repetition, metaphors, nouns, and adjectives. Three discursive strategies as proposed by Meyer and Wodak (2001 :73) were adapted in the analysis of the social identities and relations amongst the circumcised and uncircumcised. They included: nomination, predication and augmentation. Our findings proved that indeed FGM has language features that promote it by creating social identities and relations that are positive for those who have undergone FGM and vice versa. It is hoped that the study will be of benefit to scholars interested in gender issues and oral literature; crusaders against FGM; and researchers in CDA.
