LANGUAGE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A POSITIVE IDENTITY AMONG INMATES IN KENYAN JAILS1

Abstract

This paper describes linguistic and stylistic strategies used by a group of
inmates in Kenyan jails to construct their identities in a positive way
through language. They did so in thirty-four letters which they wrote to a
religious leader who was their benefactor. Linguistically, the strategy
consisted mainly in using euphemistic vocabulary and passive and active
voice constructions that avoided presenting the inmates directly as the
wrongdoers now serving a jail sentence. Stylistically, the inmates resorted
to two main strategies: describing their skills and the positive aspects of
their lives before they were imprisoned and choosing to use a religious
register which would be associated with their addressee. Apparently, they
resorted to those linguistic and stylistic strategies in an attempt to
distance themselves from the crimes they had committed.