Peo na Mikakati ya Kimazungumzo Katika Uumbaji wa Ujinsia Miongoni mwa Wazulufu Nchini Kenya

Abstract

This thesis is based on an anlaysis of adolsecents’ discursive construction of sexuality. Its main objective is to gain an understanding of the world of adolescents sexuality. Worldwide, studies on sexual behaviour among adolescents indicate that a significant number of adolescents are becoming sexually active at an early age. Whereas it is true that culture and language use fundamentally influence sexuality by creating and communicating values, norms, and expectations regarding sexual relationships and behaviour, it is also true that due to various socio-economic and political changes, these cultures are gradually being abandoned. How sexuality is linguistically defined and framed within adolescents groupings thereby influencing their sexual decision and actions inspired this research. Goffmans’s Frame Analysis Theory and van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework were used to examine the lexical items, the different discursive frames and strategies employed in the discourse of sexuality among school going adolescents. The study randomly selected a sample of 104 students from three secondary schools purposefully chosen within Nakuru County. Data was collected through focus group discussions. The data was transcribed, coded and analysed using Frame Analysis as well as Critical Analysis methods. The study established that the words used by adolescents in the construction of their sexuality falls into three functional categories and within which there were subcategories. These words are largely euphemistic and metaphorical. In view of frames, it emerged that there are four distinct frames i.e urgency frame, abstinence frame, authority and characterization or categorization frames. These frames mirror adolescents’ understanding and construction of sexuality and complement each other in the adolescent sexuality discourse. On strategies, seven strategies were used by the adolescents to naturalize and rationalize their sexual acts. These strategies are disclaimer, authority, categorization, euphemisim, metaphors, number game and hyperbole. It is hoped that these findings will not only add to the existing body of knowledge on sexuality discourse but will also inform stakeholders involved in designing youth sexuality programmes in different learning institutions. This may in turn contribute to solving issues such as unwanted pregnacies, school drop out and abortion among adolescents.