Gender Identity in Gusii Nuptial Oral Poetry

This study delves into the construction and representation of gender identity within Gusii nuptial oral poetry, focusing on how cultural ideals of femininity and masculinity are conveyed through metaphors, imagery, and symbolic language. Rooted in East African oral traditions, the research employs Conceptual Metaphor Theory and feminist literary theory to critically analyze the intersection of culture and identity. Findings reveal that metaphors such as "sweet banana" and "fertile soil" encapsulate the Gusii community's perspectives on gender roles, highlighting the oral tradition's role in preserving and transmitting cultural norms. By engaging with Oyeronke Oyewumi’s critique of gender as a Western construct, this study contributes to broader conversations on oral literature, identity, and cultural heritage in East Africa