CHINESE AND IGBO PROVERBS: ANALYSIS OF SEXISM

Proverbs exist in every nation's language and it is one of the vehicles carrying her culture. Proverbs do not only reflect people's ideas and thoughts but also preserve their world view and values in traditional society. This paper analyzes sexism found in Chinese and Igbo proverbs. Prejudice or discrimination against women exists in both Chinese and Igbo proverbs, mainly on female social status, marriage, cultural responsibility, behavior, and personality. Some of these proverbs intend to portray women as weak, chattering, gossipers, nosy, and of low social status. Others emphasize that women have bad-temperament and are acrimonious, which are not easy to cope with, and if women are in charge, things will be out of order. In marriage, the husband dominates and dictates the fate of the wife. The reasons for gender discrimination in Igbo and Chinese are due to cultural/traditional values, socioeconomic development, gender identity, and physiological factors. However, due to globalization and awareness creation, there are trends in female gender consciousness and awakening in China and Nigeria.