The Evolution of a Sociolect to a Political Tool: The Role of Sheng in the Rejection of Finance Bill 2024, in Kenya’s Political Context

Abstract

A sociolect is a linguistic variety associated with a particular social group, defined by factors such as socioeconomic status, profession, ethnicity, or age. Based on socioeconomic status and age, Sheng has been classified as a sociolect. As a social linguistic code, it has evolved from a sociolect of the youth into a potent tool in political discourse. This paper examines the evolution of Sheng from a youth -linguistic code to a political tool. The paper illustrates how sociolect varieties spoken by particular social groups can influence and transform political discourse. The study explores the socio-political significance of Sheng, and how it has been appropriated into political language, analysing the implications for both political communication and socio - linguistic identity. Through the use of Political Discourse Analysis Theory, the paper examines how political language shapes and is shaped by societal issues, ideologies, and identities. The analysed data was obtained from media and digital platforms that were purposefully sampled. In particular, the paper examines the role of Sheng in the recent rejection of the controversial Finance Bill of 2024 in Kenya. The study investigates how sheng functions as a medium of expression and social resistance in contemporary Kenya.