1 Introduction

This chapter explains the concept of fluidity and its relation to the Sheng language. It also discusses the multilingual and multicultural setting in Nairobi and other cities in Kenya, highlighting the dominance of English and Kiswahili at the national level. The chapter further explores the development of mixed codes such as Sheng and Engsh, as well as their sociolinguistic implications, including their association with youth identity and the desire for linguistic territory. Additionally, the chapter delves into the triglossic use of languages and the shifts in Sheng towards stability. Lastly, the chapter outlines the aim of the paper and establishes that Sheng is a mixed code resulting from English, Kiswahili, and local languages in Kenya, guided by the social identity theory of the in-group and the out-group.

2 Theoretical frameworks

This chapter discusses the social identity theory (SIT) and its application in explaining the behavior and attitudes of social groups. It explains the concept of in-group and out-group mentality, as well as in-group bias and out-group exclusion. The chapter also highlights the role of social identity in influencing individual behavior and attitudes, and how social group identity can manage individual differences, stereotypes, and prejudices. Additionally, it explores the relationship between social identity and self-esteem, as well as in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination. The SIT is used to explain the fluidity of language in Sheng, particularly in how it helps maintain in-group identity and discriminates against the out-group.

3 Methodology

This chapter discusses the methodology for researching the reasons for lexical variation in Sheng, focusing on the in-group and out-group mentality of the Sheng users. The research involves interviewing youths from different parts of Nairobi and older generations to understand their views on Sheng and the reasons for the frequent change of lexicons. In addition to interviews, the research also utilizes available knowledge on Sheng lexicons from books and journal papers to detect the extent of variations and fluidity in the language.

4 Sheng’s diachronic compositions

Sheng consists of words borrowed from Kiswahili, English, and many other indigenous languages, and Sheng's vocabulary was composed of real words from a myriad of languages. There came another phase of different word formation in Sheng including sentence constructions where words from one language were mixed with words from the second language to form words, phrases, or even sentences. Sheng continued to gain a unique word formation style and eventually used words from other languages but first passed them through a stage called Shengification. Moreover, complex forms have continued to emerge giving Sheng an identity of its own with aspects of borrowing from languages such as English, Kiswahili, and other diverse indigenous languages of Kenya. Up to this point, the vocabulary formed in Sheng cannot be understood by both Kiswahili and English and even a vernacular speaker in Kenya unless he or she is a member of the Sheng-speaking community. The Sheng vocabulary has kept on changing even when the words formed are unique to Sheng, and this aspect is investigated in the paper to find out the reasons behind the frequent reshuffles in word semantics, making the language fluid.

5 The origin of the Sheng language

Chapter 5 discusses the origin of the Sheng language. It explores the emergence of Sheng in prison settings, with the use of a hybrid code to communicate illegal activities. The chapter also delves into the emergence of Sheng in low-income neighborhoods of Eastlands among youths who wanted to conceal their communication from adults, with the language being mainly used by offenders to hide their deeds, strategies, and plans.

6 Current state of Sheng

This chapter discusses the current state of Sheng, emphasizing that it is no longer confined to the youth and criminal gangs, but is now used by many people in Kenya, including as a vernacular language. The language has spread from urban to rural areas, giving the rural youth a sense of identity with their urban counterparts. Additionally, Sheng is being used by politicians, employers, and in media, and has evolved into a distinct form of communication. Despite its negative origins, Sheng continues to shape its own path and serve as a means of communication, while also providing the youth with a unique identity.

7 Sheng as a language and an in-group

This chapter discusses the development and usage of Sheng in Nairobi, Kenya. It explains how Sheng originated in certain areas of the city and spread to other urban centers in Kenya. The chapter also explores the social and psychological factors that led to the formation of Sheng as a secret code for group identity and solidarity among the youth. Additionally, it highlights the linguistic characteristics of Sheng, which primarily borrows words from English and Kiswahili, and its growing acceptance in both young and old generations in Kenya. Finally, the chapter addresses the in-group/out-group mentality and fluidity in Sheng codes used in communication.

9 Reasons for fluidity and lexical variations in Sheng

The chapter discusses the reasons for fluidity and lexical variations in the language Sheng. It explains that privacy is a key factor, with many users of Sheng using the language to have private conversations with peers and to hide their discussions from their parents. Additionally, secrecy is another reason for the use of Sheng, as people who have secrets to keep use the language to communicate and prevent others from understanding their messages. The variability and fluidity of Sheng's lexicon make it difficult for non-users to interpret, thereby ensuring the language's ability to keep secrets. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the link between variations in Sheng and insecurity, as gangs use Sheng codes to communicate and commit crimes without being easily detected. Additionally, the language is also utilized in prison to pass messages and communicate within an in-group while hiding information from outsiders.

10 Conclusion

The chapter discusses the concept of lexical variations and fluidity in language, using Sheng as a case study. It explains how the desire for uniqueness and boredom with repetitive language use can lead to the formation of new words and shifts in lexicons. The in-group and out-group mentality is identified as a major factor in the lexical variations witnessed in the Sheng language. The chapter also highlights the growth of Sheng as a language of its own, with unique linguistic features, and its expansion into various domains of communication. It emphasizes that the intentions behind the fluidity and variations in Sheng are different from those in other languages, and are mainly driven by the need to keep communication within specific groups.