Abstract

Language and gender in works by female West African writers are examined in this paper. The prevalence of linguistic and ideological gendering in the corpus is illustrated, and questions raised about the rationale and functionality of the gendered representations. In addition, answers are sought to questions such as "What drives co-wives to wickedness or insanity?" and "What accounts for female rivalries, and female-female invectives, including ageism?" Finally, whether the creative writers in question empower the subordinated or propose enabling measures is another aspect explored, before recommendations are offered for the unwritten songs and tales of West Africa's Lawinos.

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