An African Feminist Philosophy of Language

This book calls for the institution of an African feminist philosophy of language, challenging existing debates and encouraging a move away from the Western gaze. The book begins with an analysis of the philosophical context of African feminism, and a call for the decolonization of epistemological discourse. Oyeleye then goes on to consider how indigenous patriarchies play out in the cultural reality of the Yorùbá in particular, ontologically unpacking the nature of woman as expressed in language, especially in myths and proverbs. Challenging the derogatory language found in proverbs which entrench patriarchal oppression, the author advocates for feminist postproverbials: new proverbs which draw on old traditions but reconstruct the space of woman in a new, egalitarian rhetorical tradition. The author concludes by outlining the conditions necessary for African feminist philosophers to consider language as a decolonizing space which can help to push through the agenda of social change. This book will be an important resource for researchers from across the fields of gender and women studies, feminist philosophy, philosophy of language, cultural studies, and African studies.

Olayinka Oyeleye holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research profile articulates an interdisciplinary platform that straddles African feminist philosophy, philosophy of language and African gender and ethical discourses. Her essays have appeared in many distinguished publications.

Introduction: On a Subversive Feminist Rhetoric 1. What is Woman? Conceptualising Feminism(s) 2. Feminist Scholarship and the Politics of Language in Africa 3. The Dehumanized Woman in History, Philosophy and Culture 4. Between Proverbs and Postproverbials 5. Towards an African Feminist Philosophy of Language