An Analysis of Nexus of Language and Gender in Hawker Culture in Kibuye Market, Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Language is part and parcel of human experience; every aspect of human life depends on communication. Language also defines a person's way of life and the transmission of social and cultural norms, attitudes, beliefs, traditions, and values. Language, by extension, facilitates the reinforcement of existing beliefs about group features and distinctions between groups. Language structures and patterns of language use are believed to be responsible for the perpetuation of stereotypes and, in some instances, reifying one group's dominance over the other. It is perceived that men and women use different expressions. Gender is one of the social constructions that have been studied in language use for quite some time now. These studies have, however, not focused on how language dynamics intersect with gender identities and roles, especially in the context of hawker culture. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to analyse the nexus of language and gender in hawker culture in Kibuye Market in Kisumu County in Kenya. This study is anchored on social constructionist theory as proposed by Searle (2007). To obtain data from a target population of one hundred (100) hawkers, we have employed a stratified purposeful sampling technique. The primary data collection methods were interviews and video recording. We have carried out thematic and inferential data analysis methods. This study concluded that patterns of language use in hawker culture revealed cultural norms, beliefs, traditions and values that were useful in the construction of gender identities. These linguistic structures not only demonstrated the persistence of social stereotypes but also group dynamism. Language use in hawker culture represented social constructs outside business operations. The results of this study will enrich academic scholarship on the gendered use of linguistic varieties.