Language use and gender positioning among the Swazi

Abstract

This article discusses some of the linguistic usage and the question of gender positioning within Swazi socio-cultural setting. It observes that the results of this manifests itself even today, where language use and cultural values cannot be said to be equal between women and men. We also notice that the use of language differentially between men and women is embedded within Swazi cultural tradition and customs. This practice is part of the inherent patriarchal practices that obtain in this region, such as marriage within customary law, initiation rites, family naming, etc.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol.3 () 2006: pp.143-158