Kenyan English gains recognition as distinct language
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Teknobyte Limited launched the KENGLEX Project in Kenya to formally recognize and document Kenyan English as a unique variety of the language.
The project identified differences in pronunciation and usage, including the common practice of blending Swahili words into English conversations, known as code-switching. Researchers codified these features, creating a resource available online at kenglex.com that defines and translates Kenyan English terms into standard English.
The KENGLEX Project intends for this codified language to improve locally-focused education, technology development, and artificial intelligence systems in Kenya. Dr. Muceni Gakuru will present the initiative to the public at Daystar University, demonstrating a speech system built using the project’s linguistic rules. The project seeks funding and collaboration to expand its work and encourages the Kenyan government and universities to support further research into Kenyan English.
