Mvana and Their Children: The Language of the Shona People as it Relates to Women and Womens’ Space

Abstract

Research elsewhere, within English and other languages, has shown that linguistic behaviour is one of the keys to understanding the nature and status of women in the attitudes transmitted through language (Frank and Anshen 1983; Cameron 1990; 1998; Coates 1998; Spender 1980; West and Zimmerman 1975 etc.). This article seeks to examine the language of the Shona people as it is related to women and women’s space by examining terminology for mvana [single mothers (…and more)] and their children, conceived out of marriage, to uncover and document explicit and implicit attitudes to women. The terms used in this article were collected through a questionnaire and discussions held in Harare and Mhondoro, especially targeted at the language which people speak, but is never recorded.