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Kariuki, Annah, Gibson, Hannah, Jelpke, Tom, Ochieng, Merceline and Poeta, Teresa (2024) 'Verbal extensions in Sheng: an examination of variation in form and function.' Linguistics Vanguard. (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

This paper investigates verbal extensions in Sheng, a youth language originating in Nairobi, Kenya. Sheng has received scholarly attention since the 1980s, primarily with a focus on its sociolinguistic traits. Our study aims to advance the linguistic description of Sheng and its morphosyntax by investigating verbal extensions in Sheng. Specifically, we look at the causative, applicative, reciprocal, and passive suffixes, as they are applied to coined and metathesized verbs and verbs which have their origins in Swahili, English, or Gikuyu. We present examples from speakers in Kibera and Umoja neighbourhoods of Nairobi. We find that, while many of the extensions can be applied to elicited verbs, such examples were often considered odd by speakers. In some cases, our consultants suggested alternative strategies, typically employing the use of periphrastic constructions or different verb forms. The use of verbal extensions sometimes resulted in changes in interpretation, requiring us to re-consider the function of these extensions in Sheng more broadly.

Item Type: Journal Article
Keywords: verbal extensions; applicative; causative; passive; reciprocal; youth language
SOAS Departments & Centres: Departments and Subunits > School of Languages, Cultures & Linguistics > Department of Linguistics
ISSN: 2199174X
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): https://doi.org/10.1515/lingvan-2022-0149
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2024 08:41
URI: https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/id/eprint/42147
Funders: Leverhulme Trust

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