SEXISM IN NAMES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MALE AND FEMALE NAMES IN THE IGBO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY
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Date
2017-04-01
Authors
Oyeka, C.N.
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Volume Title
Publisher
Ideal International Journal of Igbo Scholars Forum
Abstract
Sexism is the belief that one sex is superior to the other. Sexism is manifest in language. Names are a significant part of culture which is expressed through language. It is observed that there is a bias in some names given to different sexes in the Igbo society. Such names affect both sexes, the men, positively and the women negatively. The negative effects on the women hinder them from self-actualization and positive contribution to the society at large. To find out the cause(s) behind this slant in language, the researcher adopted the survey research method. Through verbal interaction, data comprising ninety names was collected from native speakers of Igbo language. The data were analyzed. It was discovered that the main cause of sexism in Igbo names is because the Igbo society is patriarchal. The Igbo society value male children above the female. It was also discovered that the society is dynamic and so is language. All these equally reflect in some measure in given names which mark personal identities. The work recommends the reorientation of the society in giving sexist names as we are what we are named.
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Keywords
Names, Sexism, Self-actualization, Patriarchy