Thesis:

A discursive construction of linguistic elements employed to invoke gender and power during debate in Busia-county assembly in Kenya

This study set out to establish manner in which linguistic elements are used to invoke gender and subsequently bargain for power during County Assembly debates. The objectives of this study included: to establish linguistic elements that are strategically used in debating to bargain for dynamics of power in the Assembly; describe the linguistic elements used to invoke gender and power during debate; analyze the effect of these linguistic elements and to explain how members of the Assembly linguistically respond to linguistic elements that are used to invoke gender and power during debate in the County Assembly. This study is significant since it has exposed entrenched hegemonic practices with a view to mitigating them especially with regards to women who occupy political, public and private offices and spaces. Additionally, the study has brought new knowledge to show linguistic elements employed to show how power and gender are negotiated and exploited in county assembly debate. The study employed two theories: the Critical Discourse Analysis theory (CDA) and the Politeness theory. Current literature has been reviewed for the purpose of identifying areas that have been studied and the gaps existing with the intent of filling them up. The Conceptual Framework has also been presented and it shows how the various variables interact. The study involved collecting linguistic data from the assembly as recorded in the Hansard, audio recordings of assembly proceedings and interviews with selected Members of the County Assembly. The data has been analyzed according to each of the objectives, been described and relationships -between speakers, choice of discourse and discourse function have been explained. The study targeted a population of 53 Members of the Busia County Assembly. A random sample of 20% was picked for interviews. Of this sample, a further randomly selected 30% was male. The data collected has been transcribed and described qualitatively. Data has been be presented and discussed; tables have also been used to make and show comparisons. In the analysis, the researcher established that a number of linguistic strategies were used to invoke gender and power. These include: patronizing, subtlety, disclaimers, damaging face, sarcasm, irony and speaking style among others. These strategies had several effects on the debaters such as: putting them off, continuing debate, intimidation, cooperation and damaging face among other effects. Further, that members of the county assembly responded to these linguistic elements in a number of ways. These include: cooperation, stopping debate altogether, interruptions, taking a tough stance among others. Conclusions drawn are that the male voice is still largely dominant in the county assembly. However, the female voice, despite being outnumbered has shown spirited efforts to be heard. Power has been contested; not just between the males and the females but also amongst the males themselves. The conclusions, summary and recommendations have been presented. Additionally, suggestions for further study have been presented. The choice of linguistic elements is strategic and has been exemplified in the choice of words aimed at wrestling for power, undermining those occupying positions of power and maintaining power.