A Complex Linguistic Code in Kenyan Linguistic Scene:A Case Study for Sheng

Abstract

Sheng has become a popular language in Kenya and it is being spoken in all corners of this nation and beyond (East Africa). Due to its rapid growth and spread it has attracted a lot of linguistic research from many scholars both locally and internationally and still continues to do so as evident in this case. Despite the dense coverage in this area of research, research findings in the area have raised more questions than answers. Thus leaving most of the questions asked about Sheng as a myth that requires explanation. It is from this point of view that a research gap was established for this research(A complex linguistic code in Kenyan linguistic scene: A case study for Sheng). Most of the Sheng definitions tend to lean towards argot, jargon or slang. A situation that is not very clear though, because we are left asking what Sheng really is. However this does not mean that this literature is obsolete. Indeed these early studies on Sheng lays a framework for this current argument , depicting Sheng as a complex subject, out of which such a research gap would not have existed. The assertion here is that the many differing views on Sheng, presented in this study outlines Sheng as a complicated subject that needs more research , so as to be able to rediscover Sheng in order to give it a befitting description, one that would reflect the true image/nature of Sheng as it is today.