Student and Educator Perceptions of Prevalence of Use, Attitude and Views about Sheng Speakers

This study tested the difference and relationship between student and educator perceptions of prevalence of students’ use, attitude, and views about sheng speakers in selected schools in Gucha District, Kenya. Two hundred and thirty nine (239) students and thirty three (33) educators participated. The test of differences revealed there was a significant difference in the educators’ and teachers’ perceptions on the prevalence of the use of sheng, Students’ attitudes toward the use of sheng, positive views about sheng speakers, and negative views about sheng speakers. There was a significant relationship between the respondents’ perceptions on the prevalence of the use of sheng and students’ attitudes toward sheng and positive views about sheng speakers. Those who hold positive views use sheng or are in favor of its use while those who do not use it hold negative views on its use. Teachers should perfect the teaching of standard forms so that learners can identify boundaries between various forms of language use. Sheng can be a threat to purism of English and Kiswahili and measures should be taken to stem the negative ramifications it is likely to bring to the teaching and learning of standard Swahili.