Sheng, Styleshifting and Construction of Multifaceted identities

The use of Sheng, a non-standard contact linguistic code in Kenya has been increasing over the years, to the extent that it has now become a language of choice for a majority of youth who wish to express their contemporary identity. This identity, however, is complicated by Sheng s different varieties which are attributed to different groups. This book examines these varieties from both linguistic and non-linguistic perspectives as speakers engage in discursive practices in their local hang-out joints called bazes. Ability of members to move across bazes, similar to Rampton s concept of crossing , is viewed as negotiation for category membership, which not only alters an individual s identity, but the group s identity as well. Being the first book on Sheng, this book provides an interesting dimension of linguistic practices in multilingual Kenya. Readers interested in vernacular variation, registers, negotiation and construction of multiple identities through discursive practices will find this book useful.

Autorentext

Peter Githinji PhD., completed his PhD in Linguistics at Michigan State University in 2005 and joined Ohio University at Athens as an assistant professor of Linguistics. He has taught Swahili and linguistics courses at Ohio University for four years. Dr. Githinji also coordinates African Languages program at Ohio University.