Hecterosexism in translation: a comparative study of Ngũgi Wa Thiong'o's Caitani Mutharabaini (Devil on the cross) and Matigari Ma Njirũũngi (Matigari)

This thesis proposes an investigation of ethical issues within what I have termed 'hectorosexist' frameworks, which it asserts to be a prevalent global discourse in contemporary theory and practice in translation particularly in the English-speaking world.
The research aims to investigate the theoretical and practical implications of issues around the subject locations of writers and translators as readers and writers in historical contexts. The thesis asserts that the wider context of culture, economics, politics and societal development impact on the translation process in general.
The study seeks to ascertain how much is lost or gained through the subject location of translators and that of culture through texts and readers (Bhabha, 1994). This is done through a comparative study, analysis and re-translations of selected sections of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's, Matigari Ma Njirũũngi (1987) translated as Matigari (1989) and Caitani Mũtharabaini (1980), translated as Devil on the cross (1980).
The thesis will conclude with a synthesis of the comparative studies and the impact of any shifts on the culture and subjects. It will ascertain whether translation can enable the relocation or re(dis)covery of 'hidden', 'lost', 'forgotten' or 'new' 'cultures' in narratives including such shifts, and indeed the 'migration' of the 'subjects' of writers, readers, and translators (Boyce-Davies, 1994).