Language and Social Transformation in <i>Nyumbantobhu</i>: A Gendered Perspective

Abstract This study investigates Nyumbantobhu , a practice among the Kuria people, challenging conventional interpretations and offering a nuanced understanding of its complex dynamics. Moving beyond simplistic portrayals of Nyumbantobhu as solely oppressive, this research examines it as a site of contested agency for Kuria women, exploring how they navigate and negotiate their roles within this context, particularly through language. While existing literature has addressed aspects of Nyumbantobhu , often focusing on its potential for gender-based violence or its impact on infertile women, a significant gap remains in understanding the nuanced ways in which women exercise agency and how language shapes the practice’s meaning and impact. This study addresses this gap by investigating two primary objectives: to explore the contested agency of Kuria women within Nyumbantobhu , examining how they navigate and negotiate their roles through language; and to analyze the role of language in constructing the meaning and impact of Nyumbantobhu , considering the intersectional experiences of women involved in the practice. Based on data sources encompassing interviews, narratives, and existing literature, the research advances several key arguments, revealing the dynamic interplay of agency, language, and social construction. This study integrates feminist theory, intersectionality, and social constructionism with linguistic analysis. The findings underscore how language functions as both a tool for conformity and subversion, how evolving kinship terms reflect shifting family dynamics, and how gendered language reveals embedded power relations. This research provides novel insights into how social realities are constructed and negotiated, contributing to broader conversations about gender, language, and social transformation within East African communities.