The Semantics of Female Devaluation in Igbo Proverbs

Abstract

The paper focuses on the semantics of female subjugation and derogation in Igbo proverbs. Proverbs, as forms of figurative communication with didactic functions in studied conversations were found to possess evidences of male attempt at maintaining control over discourse in society. The representations of womanhood in Igbo proverbs are mainly negative: women are typically portrayed as being senseless, morally debased, devilish, childish, and weak. The fact that these stereotypes have been encoded in a form of communication usually respected and highly valued in Igbo culture suggests the degree rhetoric in the society has been masculinized. Studies in oral literature, especially in male-dominated cultures, need to pay attention to the role of male-oriented rhetoric in Igbo proverbs that signifies prejudice and hostility toward women in social discourse.