Multimodal discourse analysis of variations in Islamic dress code in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Abstract

The history of Islam in South Africa is as old as the history of the Dutch who arrived at the Cape in the latter half of the 17th century. The present study investigates Islam in South Africa and how it has come and spread in the country, especially in Cape Town (Bo-Kaap). It aims to shed light on how Muslim women reconcile their daily activities and personal initiatives with their religious beliefs and attire. It also explores the challenges that Muslims faced at that time. Moreover, it explores the dominant discourse on the veiling of Muslim women, with reference to the identity of Muslim women in Bo-Kaap as well as the Western influence on their Islamic dress code. In addition, it indicates how the dress code in the Cape differs from mainstream Muslim attire in the Midle East. The methodology adopted in this research is qualitative. The data was collected through observation and questionnaires. The kind of analysis used was discourse analysis and multi-modal discourse analysis. The results showed that the cultural impact of western society is reflected in the manner Muslim women wear their hijab. In spite of this, many of these women are still attached to and proud of their Islamic identity.