Women's Voices in A Man's World: Women and the Pastoral Tradition in Northern Somali Orature, c. 1899-1980 (Studies in African Literature)

Two questions dominate this ethnographic, literary, and historical study of Somali society through its orature. First, in what ways do Somali oral texts provide information about women and gender relations in Somalisociety? Second, how do these oral texts present the concepts of "tradition" and an authentic cultural heritage and identity, particularly as these concepts affect women and gender relations? In seeking to answer these questions, Kapteijns has gathered a considerable number of Somali oral texts and popular songs. The firstpart of the book focuses on the texts from the colonial period and develops a critical ethnography of women and gender relations while the second part considers contemporary love songs as important cultural sites for debate about women and "tradition." Kapteijns' book will enlighten readers unfamiliar with the wit and spirit of Somali culture. Somali readers will find the book essential for critically engaging the received notions of their past and traditions. Contents 7 Preface 9 Transcription of Somali 11 Introduction 15 PART ONE 23 Chapter 1 27 Introduction to Somali Society and History in the Colonial Period 27 Chapter 2 42 Girls in Somali Stories, Sayings, and Songs 42 Chapter 3 56 Married Women’s Obedience and Sexual Fidelity 56 Chapter 4 70 Married Women’s Work and Competence 70 Notes to Part One 98 PART TWO 118 Chapter 5 122 The Birth of a New Genre, the Popular Song 122 Chapter 6 130 Being in Love and Suffering Its Symptoms 130 Chapter 7 140 Reimagining Courtship: Romantic Love Versus the Discipline of Family and Kin Group 140 Chapter 8 160 Marriage and Its Critics: ‘‘Tradition’’ as a Literary Weapon 160 Conclusion 170 Notes to Part Two 178 List of Love Songs by Title and/or First Line 186 List of Singers and Authors of the Love Songs Quoted in Part Two 190 Texts of Songs and Song Fragments Quoted in Part Two 192 Bibliography 228 Index 242 Women And Gender Expectations In Northern Somali Orature Of The Era Of Fire And Embers (1899-1944) -- Introduction To Somali Society And History In The Colonial Period -- Girls In Somali Stories, Sayings, And Songs -- Married Women's Obedience And Sexual Fidelity -- Married Women's Work And Competence -- Women And Gender Expectations In Somali Love Songs Of The Period C. 1944-1980 -- The Birth Of A New Genre, The Popular Song -- Being In Love And Suffering Its Symptoms -- Reimagining Courtship: Romantic Love Versus The Discipline Of Family And Kin Group -- Marriage And Its Critics: Tradition As A Literary Weapon -- Appendix Of Somali Love Songs Quoted In Part Two. Lidwien Kapteijns With Maryan Omar Ali. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [209]-221) And Index.