Sheng and Engsh: development of mixed codes among the urban youth in Kenya

• Autores: Mohamed H. Abdulaziz, Ken Osinde
• Localización: International journal of the sociology of language, ISSN 0165-2516, Nº. 125, 1997, págs. 43-63
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • In the complex multilingual and multicultural setting of Nairobi and other big towns in Kenya, mixed codes called Sheng and Engsh used by the youth have developed. Kenya has over 40 distinct African languages. In addition there is English, which, äs the main official language, functions äs the language of education, international commerce and communication, the judiciary, parliamentary debating, and administration, and is generally the language through which modernizing trends are introduced. Swahili is spoken and used äs the national language and the language of social interaction and political organization at the grassroot national level It is taught throughout the education System and is used, together with English, in the judiciary, administrative, and parliamentary Systems. The over 40 mother tongues are important languages of ethnic identity, culture, and communication in the communities concerned but are used mostly in oral interaction.