GENDER ISSUES AND THE USE OF LANGUAGE IN THE SONG OF THE WOMEN OF MY LAND BY OUMAR FAROUK SESAY

Abstract

In most African societies, culture is being observed. In these societies, despite western civilization, the impact of gender still plays a very big role to the extent that women are still being marginalized. Similarly, women have played significant roles in their families, societies and communities despite the many challenges countered in their day-to-day activities of their lives. Every woman whether young or old has a role to play in the society she finds herself. Women in Africa have made serious impacts in their various fields of human endeavor in their different disciplines like songs, law, and so on. This paper examines the contributions of women in Africa with particular reference to the use of language in the songs of the women of my land. This poem has contributed immensely to gender issues in its various compositions. The lyrics of this poem ranges from encouraging high moral values on the part of women, to that which encourage and emphasize the need for women’s endurance, patience and taking solitude in songs. This is geared towards the upliftment of the various families, the nation and Africa in general. Unfortunately, some of these women suffer some setbacks as a result of seeming negative attitudes by their male counterparts and the society in general. The study uses a qualitative research design and employs thematic analysis to analyze the poem’s language and content. The researcher finds out that there are issues of gender and portrayal of society in the poem. The theory for this study is social power theory, propounded by Max Weber (1922).). The findings show that in the society, women are being exploited. The researcher recommends that adherence to certain cultural practices can be handled patiently. Men should also change their attitudes towards women. Men and women are equal before God and that is why God does not discriminate in endowing songs talent in both male and female alike.