The status of women and language use with particular reference to isiZulu

Abstract

The main purpose of the research carried out for this study was to look at the status of women and language use especially in isiZulu language. The dissertation examines the way women are treated in Zulu families, in societies and in the workplace. The dissertation also examines how female learners are differentiated from male learners in terms of their intellectual capacity and responsibility. The data collected in this study shows the unequal treatment given to female managers by society compared to that of male managers. It also shows restrictions and regulations faced by married women in a patriarchal society in terms of their movements, how they should dress, behave and use the language. Another interesting finding of this study is that ironically speaking, women have control over men because even though women are considered as having the inferior status than men, in a Zulu family, a man cannot take decisions without the approval from his wife. For example, if Mr Mkhize asks Mr Zulu to sell him a cow, even if Mr Zulu likes the idea, he would not just agree. Instead, Mr Zulu will lie to Mr Mkhize and say he is still going to think about what he is asking. But in reality, he will be creating time to discuss the matter with his wife. Mr Zulu's response will entirely depend on whether the wife agreed or not The findings of this study suggests that in most societies women are still not viewed as good enough to hold high positions and still viewed as misfits particularly in rural areas. It is up to women to prove their worth to the world by behaving and speaking accordingly.