Gender Asymmetry in the Address System of the Basotho

Abstract

Address forms are regarded as indicators of deference, politeness and markers of social distance. This paper examines the address forms and referring expressions used by the Basotho. These forms and expressions are examined with a view to looking at the factors determining their use. The paper is based mainly on semantic and pragmatic analysis with sociolinguistic/ethnographic overtones. It argues that the use of these terms is a result of cultural stereotypes which have seen men and women treated differently. The paper thus indicates that the terms are not merely linguistic but are indicators of the Basotho's social universe.