A survey of terms and expressions adapted in local communities for creating awareness about coronavirus in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate terms and expressions that were adapted in local communities for creating awareness about coronavirus in Kenya. Language is dynamic. It changes to conform to society’s needs. A society’s language is confined within its culture. When the language change, the culture also changes. Language change may happen at a faster rate or a lower rate. However, it all depends on the mode of dissemination. Due to technological advancement, language changes spread very fast. People share on different mediums, and the information could be very within a very little time far. There are several causes of language change. Some of them are political, cultural, foreign influence, technological and societal factors. This change has made it easy to evolve new terms for corona. Some of these terms have been adopted by society and have been made part of the culture in most of these societies. Change helps people in society to communicate effectively, which can make it a very good thing. The reason why corona language had to change is to enable people to communicate with others having in mind that the word was new to most cultures. The change in language and thus making it part of the society’s environment has enabled people to take part in them and thus conforming to the WHO’s advice and the Ministry of Health’s instructions in combating the spread of the virus.