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Title Verbal extensions in Sheng: an examination of variation in form and function
Full text https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/42147/1/10.1515_lingvan-2022-0149.pdf
Date 2024
Author(s) Kariuki, Annah; Gibson, Hannah; Jelpke, Tom; Ochieng, Merceline; Poeta, Teresa
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.
Language en
Publisher De Gruyter
Relation https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/42147/; https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/lingvan-2022-0149/html; 10.1515/lingvan-2022-0149
Type of publication Journal Article; PeerReviewed
Format text
Rights cc_by_4
Identifier 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)
Repository London - SOAS, University of London
Added to C-A: 2024-07-01;09:00:08