The changing image of women in Francis Imbuga's Oeuvre
- Oketch, Selline Atieno, West, Mary Eileen
- Authors: Oketch, Selline Atieno , West, Mary Eileen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminist criticism -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2949 , vital:20373
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the changing image of women in the oeuvre of Francis Imbuga. Focusing on seven stage plays and two novels published between 1976 and 2011, the study examines the depiction of female characters within the social, cultural and political contexts of post-independence African societies. The depiction of female characters in literature has attracted the attention of numerous scholars globally, particularly with regards to negative female stereotypes in male authored works. This study explores Imbuga’s attitude towards female stereotypes and gender inequalities in literary texts. Using an eclectic framework that includes feminist criticism, feminist stylistics, gender theory and the formal strategies of literature, the study examined gender relations in these texts through the analysis of language and discourse of characters. Further, the study uses the interpretive methods of textual analysis to categorize these works into three phases based on their portrayal of female characters. This method reveals a systematic transformation in the characterization of women from disadvantaged positions in the patriarchal society to more prominent positions in the contemporary society. The study demonstrates that Imbuga makes a positive response to feminism and devices a unique perspective on feminism that celebrates both the domestic and public roles of female characters. In this sense, the female characters contribute to the moral content and aesthetic values of Imbuga’s works. The study concludes that Imbuga views the transformation of female characters in literary texts as part of the broader social change that is desirable in the society. Ultimately, this vision involves shifting focus from the preoccupation with gender inequalities to concern for the welfare and dignity of the human person. Based on the conclusions, recommendations for further study include investigation into the educative and social role of the performing arts as a means of raising consciousness on issues such as HIV/Aids, use of indigenous knowledge in solving contemporary issues, incorporation of African morality and traditions in contemporary literature and a comparative study of Imbuga’s feministic vision with that of other writers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Oketch, Selline Atieno , West, Mary Eileen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Women in literature , Feminist criticism -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2949 , vital:20373
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the changing image of women in the oeuvre of Francis Imbuga. Focusing on seven stage plays and two novels published between 1976 and 2011, the study examines the depiction of female characters within the social, cultural and political contexts of post-independence African societies. The depiction of female characters in literature has attracted the attention of numerous scholars globally, particularly with regards to negative female stereotypes in male authored works. This study explores Imbuga’s attitude towards female stereotypes and gender inequalities in literary texts. Using an eclectic framework that includes feminist criticism, feminist stylistics, gender theory and the formal strategies of literature, the study examined gender relations in these texts through the analysis of language and discourse of characters. Further, the study uses the interpretive methods of textual analysis to categorize these works into three phases based on their portrayal of female characters. This method reveals a systematic transformation in the characterization of women from disadvantaged positions in the patriarchal society to more prominent positions in the contemporary society. The study demonstrates that Imbuga makes a positive response to feminism and devices a unique perspective on feminism that celebrates both the domestic and public roles of female characters. In this sense, the female characters contribute to the moral content and aesthetic values of Imbuga’s works. The study concludes that Imbuga views the transformation of female characters in literary texts as part of the broader social change that is desirable in the society. Ultimately, this vision involves shifting focus from the preoccupation with gender inequalities to concern for the welfare and dignity of the human person. Based on the conclusions, recommendations for further study include investigation into the educative and social role of the performing arts as a means of raising consciousness on issues such as HIV/Aids, use of indigenous knowledge in solving contemporary issues, incorporation of African morality and traditions in contemporary literature and a comparative study of Imbuga’s feministic vision with that of other writers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation into challenges facing Further Education Training (FET) leaners in the study of Isixhosa in the Port Elizabeth district
- Authors: Mpofu, Nombulelo Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:11840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013389 , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Effective teaching
- Description: The essential function of a language is communication. Effective communication takes place when speakers understand each other‟s language. Speakers of different languages these days stay with each other. This kind of setting results into multilingualism. Multilingualism refers to the use or maintenance of more than one language in a certain context. In this regard it may refer to the fact that many languages are spoken in South Africa. It serves as a natural solution to the problem of language contact that is extremely widespread throughout South Africa and the world at large. The recognition of the multilingual nature of South African society by the Constitution of this country , as (Made 2010) puts it, necessitates the creation of tools of implementation and redress, in the form of appropriate language policies. Such language policies are designed to correct the universal tendency to practise monolingualism in multilingual societies which disempowers non-mother tongue speakers of the dominant language, to the detriment of both their rights as citizens and in communicative equity in exercising these rights. Many Black South Africans took employment in the industrial centres through urbanization, where they learnt many languages such as Fanakalo, English, Afrikaans and many other languages in the African continent. This resulted into linguistic heterogeneity. Heterogeneity brings speakers of languages together at different workplaces, schools and even places of abode.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mpofu, Nombulelo Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Effective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:11840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013389 , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Effective teaching
- Description: The essential function of a language is communication. Effective communication takes place when speakers understand each other‟s language. Speakers of different languages these days stay with each other. This kind of setting results into multilingualism. Multilingualism refers to the use or maintenance of more than one language in a certain context. In this regard it may refer to the fact that many languages are spoken in South Africa. It serves as a natural solution to the problem of language contact that is extremely widespread throughout South Africa and the world at large. The recognition of the multilingual nature of South African society by the Constitution of this country , as (Made 2010) puts it, necessitates the creation of tools of implementation and redress, in the form of appropriate language policies. Such language policies are designed to correct the universal tendency to practise monolingualism in multilingual societies which disempowers non-mother tongue speakers of the dominant language, to the detriment of both their rights as citizens and in communicative equity in exercising these rights. Many Black South Africans took employment in the industrial centres through urbanization, where they learnt many languages such as Fanakalo, English, Afrikaans and many other languages in the African continent. This resulted into linguistic heterogeneity. Heterogeneity brings speakers of languages together at different workplaces, schools and even places of abode.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into implementation of language policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa
- Authors: Made, Zoliswa Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1181 , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about An Investigation into Implementation of Language Policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa. The objectives of this study are to investigate the current state of language policy implementation plan in local government sectors and schools and to propose a strategy for a sustainable language implementation plan for indigenous languages of South Africa. Chapter 1 provides the background, definitions of terms, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 deals with the critical analysis of language policy, looking at the types of language policies and various relevant language policies. Chapter 3 addresses challenges facing the indigenous languages of South Africa (with specific reference to isiXhosa) especially at provincial level. Chapter 4 discusses the implementation strategies which will help in the development of the indigenous languages. Chapter 5 concludes the study by presenting findings and recommendations for future research.
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- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Made, Zoliswa Jacqueline
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8456 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1181 , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language Planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about An Investigation into Implementation of Language Policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to isiXhosa. The objectives of this study are to investigate the current state of language policy implementation plan in local government sectors and schools and to propose a strategy for a sustainable language implementation plan for indigenous languages of South Africa. Chapter 1 provides the background, definitions of terms, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 deals with the critical analysis of language policy, looking at the types of language policies and various relevant language policies. Chapter 3 addresses challenges facing the indigenous languages of South Africa (with specific reference to isiXhosa) especially at provincial level. Chapter 4 discusses the implementation strategies which will help in the development of the indigenous languages. Chapter 5 concludes the study by presenting findings and recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of perceptions and attitudes to the study of IsiXhosa at tertiary level: NMMU a case study
- Authors: Somhlahlo, Ruby Xoliswa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/863 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
- Description: This study is about the analysis of perceptions and attitudes concerning the study of isiXhosa at tertiary level Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth. The objective of this study is to investigate negative attitudes of African students with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter One looks at the objectives of the research, the research problem, and its theoretical framework, as well as the literature review, the significance of the study, the research methods and definition of terms. Chapter Two deals with language planning and the current negative attitudes towards African languages, with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter Three deals with status planning, the teaching of isiXhosa, language maintenance and multilingual education policy. Chapter Four discusses corpus planning, the role that Xhosa educators and students should play in the development of the language. Chapter Five discusses acquisition planning, the attitudes towards isiXhosa language and the maintenance of the language. Chapter Six concludes the study by presenting the summary and recommendations for the future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Somhlahlo, Ruby Xoliswa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/863 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
- Description: This study is about the analysis of perceptions and attitudes concerning the study of isiXhosa at tertiary level Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth. The objective of this study is to investigate negative attitudes of African students with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter One looks at the objectives of the research, the research problem, and its theoretical framework, as well as the literature review, the significance of the study, the research methods and definition of terms. Chapter Two deals with language planning and the current negative attitudes towards African languages, with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter Three deals with status planning, the teaching of isiXhosa, language maintenance and multilingual education policy. Chapter Four discusses corpus planning, the role that Xhosa educators and students should play in the development of the language. Chapter Five discusses acquisition planning, the attitudes towards isiXhosa language and the maintenance of the language. Chapter Six concludes the study by presenting the summary and recommendations for the future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An examination of language planning and policy in the Eastern Cape with specific reference to Sesotho : a sociolinguistic study
- Authors: Nakin, Rosalia Moroesi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Language planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1020 , Language planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics
- Description: This sociolinguistic study examines issues of corpus, status and acquisition in Language Planning in Sesotho and isiXhosa in the Eastern Cape. Language plays an important role in the lives of its speakers in society as they interact. Chapter 1 of this study provides the background, definitions of terms used, the objective of the study, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 addresses the context, orientations, stages, and frameworks or types of language planning. Corpus planning forms an integral part of this study. This chapter also looks at different ways of developing terminology. Lastly, the chapter discusses the relationship between corpus planning and purism. Chapter 3 provides the other two types or frameworks of language planning namely, status and acquisition planning. Goals of language planning, and variables for language planning are also discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 looks at principles of language planning. Chapter 5 deals with the Language-in-Education Policy, the Eastern Cape Provincial Language Policy Framework, language attitudes and responses to language planning and language policy. Chapter 6 presents the findings and challenges facing the development and use of African languages one of which is Sesotho, as prescribed in the Constitution of the country. A few suggestions and different approaches towards language awareness campaigns are presented in this chapter. Lastly, this chapter concludes the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nakin, Rosalia Moroesi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Language planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1020 , Language planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics
- Description: This sociolinguistic study examines issues of corpus, status and acquisition in Language Planning in Sesotho and isiXhosa in the Eastern Cape. Language plays an important role in the lives of its speakers in society as they interact. Chapter 1 of this study provides the background, definitions of terms used, the objective of the study, the statement of the problem, the research methods used and the literature reviewed. Chapter 2 addresses the context, orientations, stages, and frameworks or types of language planning. Corpus planning forms an integral part of this study. This chapter also looks at different ways of developing terminology. Lastly, the chapter discusses the relationship between corpus planning and purism. Chapter 3 provides the other two types or frameworks of language planning namely, status and acquisition planning. Goals of language planning, and variables for language planning are also discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 looks at principles of language planning. Chapter 5 deals with the Language-in-Education Policy, the Eastern Cape Provincial Language Policy Framework, language attitudes and responses to language planning and language policy. Chapter 6 presents the findings and challenges facing the development and use of African languages one of which is Sesotho, as prescribed in the Constitution of the country. A few suggestions and different approaches towards language awareness campaigns are presented in this chapter. Lastly, this chapter concludes the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas
- Authors: Mntanga, Overman Mziwakhe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1030 , Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Description: This thesis entitled “a critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas”, endeavours to examine the effect of gender inequality. Women who are iv submissive toward some cultural aspects. It endeavours to give a critical analysis of women’s self assertion in some selected Xhosa dramas. According to the findings in this study, in African tradition women like to enforce patriarchy upon younger women. Older women feel that they have the duty of passing on cultural practices from generation to generation. Everything from manner of dress, posture, appropriate seating positions, eating patterns, performance of household chores, sexual expression, and voice tone and infection, self-esteem and self-concept, flows from the gender one is assigned at birth. From birth then, women and men are set on different physically based psychological paths. Of all the obstacles that limit the advancement of women, those touching upon knowledge and values are the most difficult to remove. When a woman lacks the independent capacity to assert her own positive truths and values, she is unable to contribute her insights and experiences to the various fields of human knowledge. When denied opportunities for higher forms of self expression, women may out of frustration attack the modes of understanding upheld by men. In this study theories such as black criticism, psychoanalysis, feminism and African womanism are relevant for discussing the portrayal of women. The descriptive method of research has been applied. Both observation and participation have been used for exposing barriers that block the development of women. This study will enable literature students and researchers to view culture in a broader perspective. It will enable them to consider conventions which determine the way human experience is presented in literature. Chapter one provides literature students and the researchers with a broad overview about how to develop an introductory perspective. Chapter two aims at developing a theoretical framework which serves as the basis of this study. Chapter three examines the effect of gender inequality. It opens an area of extensive examination that differentiates sexual practice from the sexual roles assigned to women and men. Chapter four examines women who are submissive or radical in some cultural aspects. Chapter five discusses women’s self assertion. Chapter six concludes this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mntanga, Overman Mziwakhe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:8458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1030 , Xhosa literature , Culture in motion pictures , Gender identity in motion pictures , Women -- Africa -- Drama , Xhosa (African people) -- Conduct of life
- Description: This thesis entitled “a critical analysis of the portrayal of women in some selected Xhosa dramas”, endeavours to examine the effect of gender inequality. Women who are iv submissive toward some cultural aspects. It endeavours to give a critical analysis of women’s self assertion in some selected Xhosa dramas. According to the findings in this study, in African tradition women like to enforce patriarchy upon younger women. Older women feel that they have the duty of passing on cultural practices from generation to generation. Everything from manner of dress, posture, appropriate seating positions, eating patterns, performance of household chores, sexual expression, and voice tone and infection, self-esteem and self-concept, flows from the gender one is assigned at birth. From birth then, women and men are set on different physically based psychological paths. Of all the obstacles that limit the advancement of women, those touching upon knowledge and values are the most difficult to remove. When a woman lacks the independent capacity to assert her own positive truths and values, she is unable to contribute her insights and experiences to the various fields of human knowledge. When denied opportunities for higher forms of self expression, women may out of frustration attack the modes of understanding upheld by men. In this study theories such as black criticism, psychoanalysis, feminism and African womanism are relevant for discussing the portrayal of women. The descriptive method of research has been applied. Both observation and participation have been used for exposing barriers that block the development of women. This study will enable literature students and researchers to view culture in a broader perspective. It will enable them to consider conventions which determine the way human experience is presented in literature. Chapter one provides literature students and the researchers with a broad overview about how to develop an introductory perspective. Chapter two aims at developing a theoretical framework which serves as the basis of this study. Chapter three examines the effect of gender inequality. It opens an area of extensive examination that differentiates sexual practice from the sexual roles assigned to women and men. Chapter four examines women who are submissive or radical in some cultural aspects. Chapter five discusses women’s self assertion. Chapter six concludes this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Critical studies of John Milton, T.S. Eliot and other writers
- Authors: Peter, John Desmond
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Milton, John, 1608-1674 -- Paradise lost , Crashaw, Richard, 1613?-1649 -- Criticism and interpretation , Joyce, James, 1882-1941 -- Criticism and interpretation , Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Criticism and interpretation , Marston, John, 1575?-1634 -- Criticism and interpretation , Eliot, T. S. (Thomas Stearns), 1888-1965 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:2329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018265
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
- Authors: Peter, John Desmond
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Milton, John, 1608-1674 -- Paradise lost , Crashaw, Richard, 1613?-1649 -- Criticism and interpretation , Joyce, James, 1882-1941 -- Criticism and interpretation , Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Criticism and interpretation , Marston, John, 1575?-1634 -- Criticism and interpretation , Eliot, T. S. (Thomas Stearns), 1888-1965 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
- Identifier: vital:2329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018265
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
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