Sheng: Rise of a Kenyan Swahili Vernacular

The city of Nairobi is a rich context for the study of sociolinguistic phenomena, with Sheng, an urban variety of Kenyan Swahili, emerging as a mixed code due to the coexistence of speakers of many different languages. This book provides a detailed account of the rise and development of Sheng, its linguistic structure, social functions, and potential future directions, making it a useful lens for exploring contemporary Kenya.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: James Currey

The city of Nairobi serves as a captivating backdrop for the study of sociolinguistic phenomena, offering a rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. The coexistence of speakers from numerous languages, each distinguished by socio-economic status, age, and ethnicity, creates an environment conducive to the emergence of a mixed code known as Sheng. This urban variety of Kenyan Swahili has evolved from a youth language into a vernacular of broader usage, reflecting the ethnolinguistic richness of Kenya and the language asymmetry resulting from socio-economic disparities. Sheng stands as a singular phenomenon in the realm of linguistic change and innovation within the African context, serving as a testament to Kenya's ethnolinguistic diversity and the linguistic challenges posed by urbanization. Moreover, it offers a valuable window into understanding the dynamics of urban multilingualism within the unique spatial structure of Nairobi city.

This book presents a comprehensive account of the rise and development of Sheng, delving into its linguistic structure, social functions, and potential future trajectories. Through meticulous analysis of its presence in newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms, the author elucidates the role that Sheng plays in contemporary Kenya. Sheng emerges as a particularly useful lens through which to explore the country's social, cultural, and political landscape, providing insights into the ways in which language shapes and reflects the experiences of its speakers.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of sociolinguistics, providing a deep understanding of the complexities of multilingualism and language of education in Kenya. By examining the phenomenon of Sheng, it sheds light on the ways in which language interacts with social, economic, and cultural factors, contributing to the shaping of urban identities and the development of a diverse and dynamic society. As such, it is a must-read for linguists, artists, youth, scholars of urban studies, educationalists, policy makers, and language planners who are grappling with the challenges of multilingualism and language of education in this vibrant and rapidly changing country.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847012081