The Influence of Sheng’ Phonology on The Learning of Kiswahili Grammar in Public Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County - Kenya

##article.abstract##

Sheng’ is a linguistic code that primarily utilizes Kiswahili structure and grammar, incorporating vocabulary from Kiswahili, English, and various Kenyan ethnic languages. This code is predominantly used in urban areas. This paper aims to investigate how Sheng’ phonology affects the acquisition of Kiswahili grammar among students in public secondary schools in Uasin Gishu, Kenya. This study applied Howard Giles Communication Accommodation Theory. According to Giles, people adjust their vocal patterns, gestures and their speech in order to accommodate others during their interaction. The study employed mixed methods research and exploratory sequential research design. At the time of the study, there were 350 teachers Kiswahili and 18,661 Form Three learners. Using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table, a sample of 55 teachers and 360 students were selected to participate in the research. Data was gathered through observation schedules, focus group discussion guides, and a writing task assigned to the students. Questionnaires and interview guides were used for teachers of Kiswahili. Qualitative data collected were analyzed thematically to produce insights that were visually summarized in graphics and discussed in narrative form. Quantitative data were examined using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found out that incorporating Sheng words did not provide any benefits for learning Kiswahili grammar. Additionally, Sheng phonology negatively affected the learning process, as students often wrote based on their spoken language patterns. The study advocates that school administrators enforce strict adherence to school-based language policies to manage the language environment effectively. Additionally, the Ministry of Education should promote drama, music, and debate competitions among schools to enhance language skills. The Department of Research Monitoring and Evaluation at the KICD should ensure that language use is clearly defined in the Kiswahili subject curriculum and consider recognizing Sheng’ as a distinct language code within the country.