Sexist Linguistic Aspects in The Ngoni Language

Linguistic studies of the minority languages in Africa have focused on their classification, vitality, lexical structure, morphology and phonology. Secondary studies such as linguistic sexism are rare in African languages and absent in the Ngoni language, focused by the current study. Be that as it may, aspects such of sexist language are known to be the ideological tools to keep the patriarchal status quo where women are secondary to men. Consequently, the present study set out to examine sexist language in the Ngoni language so as to reflect its outcome on issues such as equality and human rights. This study was qualitative, guided by the Dominance Approach established by Dale Spender, Pamela Fisherman, Don Zimmeran and Candace West and Lakoff (1975). The study used interviews, focus group discussions and introspection to collect data. The findings of the study revealed the use various sexist linguistic aspects, such as sexist word order, names and expressions. The study proposes to encourage women and men to use gender-neutral expressions in platforms. Additionally, the study recommends establishing policies that champion non-discriminatory language use in Tanzania and beyond.