The Igbo Perception of Womanhood: Evidence from Sexist Proverbs

Abstract

Sexist proverbs are proverbs which are laden with impertinent reference to any member of the opposite sex. As used in this study, such proverbs are targeted at the female. The Igbo language has a number of such proverbs. Fifteen of such proverbs from discourse contexts have been translated literally. The literal meanings of the proverbs conceptualise the image of female sexuality which the Igbo ascribe to women. The study therefore shows that Igbo sexist proverbs sustain the notion of male domination over the female. It concludes that it is difficult to change the cultural stereotype ingrained in these proverbs.

Keywords: sexist, impertinent, domination, patriarchal, stereotype.