Sheng, an urban language primarily used in Nairobi, is a unique blend of Swahili and English. The inclusion of the letter "h" in "Sheng" was a deliberate choice to avoid pronouncing it as "Seng." The term "Sheng" was first recorded in 1965, but its origins can be traced back to the early 1950s in the Eastlands area of Nairobi. The language spread through various communities and schools, gaining significant exposure through music.
Recognizing the importance of preserving and teaching Sheng to current and future generations, we have embarked on a project to document and archive this language. To kickstart this endeavor, Pin Popping Paps will be teaching us some Sheng words. Pin Popping Paps is fluent in Sheng and conducts all his interviews and stories in this language. However, we understand that not everyone may be familiar with Sheng, so we have created an audio class that covers the basics. In just a few minutes, you'll gain an understanding of a language that is constantly evolving.
It's worth noting that Sheng is a dynamic language, constantly adapting and incorporating new words and phrases. Therefore, it's possible that by the time you finish reading this article, some of the information you've learned may already be outdated. Nonetheless, we believe it is essential to capture the essence of Sheng and create a resource that celebrates its uniqueness and cultural significance.
By embracing Sheng and promoting its understanding, we contribute to the preservation of Kenyan urban culture and linguistic diversity. Join us on this linguistic journey and discover the vibrant world of Sheng.
The Class is now in Session