Sheng is a language spoken in East Africa and with roots from Kenya major cities and mostly Nairobi Eastlands ares. Sheng is a Swahili-based Patois or slang-based language, originating from Eastlands area in Nairobi, Kenya and influenced by the many African languages. The word is coined from the two words - (S)wahili and (Eng)lish.
Originating in the early late 1960's in the Eastlands area of Nairobi and with the Matatu culture Sheng is now one of the most spoken language in Kenya major cities and also the most spoken language among Kenya youths. The language has also spread to other East Africa regions hence making it The most new Language in this century. Most of the Sheng words are introduced in various communities and schools and given wide exposure by music artists who include them in their lyrics, hence the rapid growth. It can be assumed to be the first language of many Kenyans in urban areas. Like all slang, it is mainly used by the youth and is part of popular culture in this country. It also evolves rapidly, as words are moved into and out of slang use. Although the grammar, syntax, and much of the vocabulary are drawn from Swahili, Sheng borrows from English and from the languages of various ethnic communities in the region.
Sheng seems to get a bad vibe as Analysts of Kenyan education have claimed Sheng is a bad influence and contribute to poor Swahili performance at school level. Most of Sheng Critics are actually people who don't even speak Sheng hence their hatred towards Sheng. There is no universality in a language, i honestly feel that people who don't speak sheng shouldn't talk about Sheng .The main question from sheng speakers is, why should we victimize such a good language? In a modern world where all languages are being spoken across boundaries it would be very unfair not to uphold a language with roots in our region. The sheng lovers are coming up with Sheng in technology and this might be the next big thing.
Ministry of Education should look for ways of promoting good Swahili without mentioning Sheng just like the way they don't mention mother tongues and foreign languages contributing to Bad swahili performance. Sheng is a modern language in our region/world and when used well it can foster development. Sheng lovers should continue formulating even more sheng and even taking sheng to the next level.
Ministry of Education should look for ways of promoting good Swahili without mentioning Sheng just like the way they don't mention mother tongues and foreign languages contributing to Bad swahili performance. Sheng is a modern language in our region/world and when used well it can foster development. Sheng lovers should continue formulating even more sheng and even taking sheng to the next level.
In a world that is changing drastically the best thing we can do is promote sheng just like other languages. Those who don't understand Sheng should never be allowed a platform to talk about Sheng.
By Jamuhuri.
By Jamuhuri.
