Prof. Phyllis W. Mwangi

Title/Qualifications: PhD Department/Unit/Section: Literature, Languages, And Linguistics Contact Address: PO Box 43844 – 00100 Nairobi Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Position: Associate Professor of English and Linguistics View Full CV

PUBLICATIONS

Articles Published in Refereed Journals

• Mbugua, P., Mwangi, P. & Nyamasyo, E. (2025). Investigating the Utilisation of Linguistic Codes in Print and Electronic Media to Raise Cancer Awareness in Kenya (2025). Journal of Cancer Education https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-025-02629-8
• Wakarindi, P., Mwangi, P. & Njoroge, M. (2022). Making it Clearer—Elaboration Strategies in Gikuyu, a Bantu Language. Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies (JLLLS) Vol.2 No. 4, 2022.  ISSN: 2788-4481(Print) 2788-4473 (Online)
• Edinah, G., Mwangi, P. & Waweru, M. (2022) Structure of the Determiner Phrase in Ekegusii: A Minimalist Approach. Asian Journal of Social Science and Management Technology Vol.4, Issue.3 ISSN: 2313-7410 pp. 159-175
• Ayieko, G. & Mwangi, P. (2022) Role of Social Networks, Attitude, and Motivation in Informal Foreign Language Learning: A case Study of the Tourism Industry in Mombasa County, Kenya. Journal of Communication and Cultural Trends. Vol 4 No. 1 4(1). https://doi.org/10.32350/jcct.41.02
• Mwangi, P., Kiguru, G., Nthiga, P., & Kimuyu, C (2019) Language and Witchcraft as a Trade: Insights from Machakos County, Kenya. Journal of Organizations23 (pp 59 – 77) ISSN: 2013-570X; EISSN: 1886-4171.  http://www.revista-    rio.org
• Kiguru, G. and Mwangi, Pand Nthiga, P. (2019) Bridging the Distance in Distance E-learning Msingi Journal of the Department of Educational Foundations, Volume 1( Issue 2, 2019) pp. 38-49
• Nthiga, P. Kiguru, G. and Mwangi, P. (2019) Adult Education and Development: Lessons from Somaliland. Msingi Journal of the Department of Educational Foundations, Volume 1( Issue 1, 2019) pp. 18-34
• Mwangi, P, and Amateshe M. (2018) “Negotiating Speech Handicap through African Languages.” PAC University Press
• Njoroge, M., Mwangi, P., Ndung’u, R. and Orwenjo, D.(2014). Multilingualism and Education: The Critical Nexus. Multilingual Education Journal: a Springer Open Journal http://www.multilingual-education.com/content/4/1/10
• Mwangi, P., Njoroge, M. and Mose, E. (2013). Harmonizing the Orthographies of Bantu. Languages: The Case of Gikuyu and Ekegusii in Kenya. The University of Nairobi Journal of Language and Linguistics. Vol. 3. ISSN: 224-1655
• Mwangi(2007) “The Stative Morpheme in Gikuyu: A Lexical Morphology Perspective” Occasional Papers in Language and Linguistics. Vol. 3
• Mwangi(2007) “ The Adjectival Passive in Gikuyu”. Chemchemi International Journal of the school of Humanities and Social Sciences. Vol.4 No.1
• Mwangi, P. (2001) “The Syntax and Semantics of Morphological Causatives in Central Kenya Bantu”. South African Journal of African Languages. No. 4

Referred Learning Modules

• Mwangi, P.and Kiguru, G. (2015). Advanced Theoretical Studies in Grammar. Nairobi: Kenyatta University Press
• Mwangi, P. and Wakarindi, M. (2020). Nairobi: Kenyatta University Press

Reviewed Conference Papers

• The Place of Communication Skills in the Workplace in Kenya (reviewed by International Journal of the Sociology of Language (IJSL)

Short Communication in Journals

• Mwangi, P., Kiguru, G. and Nthiga, P. (2024). Vignette: Community Initiatives for the Use of Maa in Education in Kenya. In Multilingual Learning: Assessment, Ideologies and Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Edited by Reily, R., Chimbutane, J.C., Rubagumya, C. and Erling, E.J.  Routledge Publishers

• Kiguru, G and Mwangi, P.(2021) Message from editors (In the LDS journal)
• Kiguru, G. and Mwangi, P. (2019). Message from the guest editors (In the LDS journal)

  University Level Scholarly Book

• Mwangi, P.(2010) Morphosyntactic Aspects of the Verb in Gikuyu: A Bantu Language. Germany :VDM Verlag Dr Muller GmbH& Co. KG:

Tertiary Level Scholarly Books

• Mwangi, P.et al. (2008) Distinction English for Primary Teacher Education. Nairobi :Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (Forthcoming) The Innovator Communications Level 1 and 2. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau

Book Chapters

• Mwangi, P. & Kiguru, G. (2023). The Capacity to Assess and Treat Communication Disabilities in Kenya: Field-based Evidence. In print with Springer.
• Mwangi, P.,Kiguru, G. and Nthiga P. (2022) ‘The witch made me do it!’ A speech act analysis of the provocation defence in witch lynching cases in Kenya. In Language and the Law: Global perspectives in Forensic Linguistics from Africa and beyond. Part III Language As Evidence. South Africa: Africa Sun Media.
• Mwangi, P., Kiguru, G. and Nthiga Purity (2018).  The English Language and the  Refugee Identity: Insights from Dadaab Refugee Camps. In When "Home" Means more than one Country: The Discursive (Re)construction  of Identities in Transnational Communities. Germany: Lincom Europa.
• Mwangi, P.(2014). Exploiting our Linguistic Diversity to Promote Oral Skills. In Multilingualism and Education in Africa: The State of the state of the Art. London: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

School Textbooks

• Mwangi, P. et al. (2025) Top Scholar KJSEA Revision English. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2024) Top Scholar English Grade 9 Student’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2024) Top Scholar English Grade 9 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2023) Top Scholar English Grade 8 Student’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2023) Top Scholar English Grade 8 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2022) Top Scholar English Grade 7 Student’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2022) Top Scholar English Grade 7 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 6 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 6 Teacher’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 5 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 5 Teacher’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 4 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2021) Visionary English Activities. Grade 4 Teacher’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 1 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 1 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 2 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 2 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 3 Learner’s Workbook. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2018)Visionary English Literacy Activities. Grade 3 Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2017)Rwanda Senor 3 English Students’ Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2017)Rwanda Senor 3 English Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2016)Rwanda Senor 2 English Students ’Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2016)Rwanda Senor 2 English Teacher’s Book. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.(2016) Cry No More. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.(2016) Paying the Price. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2015) Flying Colours in English Composition for Secondary schools (2nd ed). Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2014) Top Mark KCSE English Questions and Answers. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2013) The Joy of Poetry. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2011) Flying Colours in English Composition for Secondary schools. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2010) Mentor: Life skills Book 5. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2010) Mentor: Life skills Book 4. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2006) KCSE Revision English. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2005) Excelling in English Students’ Book 4. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2005) Excelling in English Teacher’s Guide Book 4. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2004) Excelling in English Students’ Book 3. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2004) Excelling in English Teacher’s Guide Book 3. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2004) Excelling in English Students’ Book 2. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2004) Excelling in English Teacher’s Guide Book 2. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau:
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2003) Excelling in English Students’ Book 1. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau
• Mwangi, P.et al. (2003) Excelling in English Teacher’s Guide Book 1. Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau

Consultancy and Other Project Reports

• Research findings report on the project titled: Transitioning from Academia to Industry:  Job Application Letters and Curriculum Vitae as the Weak Link

Non-Reviewed Conference Papers

• The Role of Textbooks in Mother Tongue Education: An Obstacle or an Aid to Learning?

Editorship of a Book or Conference Proceedings

• Mwangi, P. (2018).Edited the book: The Soldier’s Legacy
• Mwangi, P. (2017).Edited the conference proceedings of Seeking Asylum in Kenya  
• Mwangi, P. et al. (2014)Edited the book: Multilingualism and Education in Africa: The State of the State of the Art. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

International Conference Presentations

2025

• July, Rabat, Morocco. “Communicating Climate Change: a Content Analysis of Selected Coursebooks for Junior School in Kenya.” Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2025 – “Language and Society” conference
• July, Rabat, Morocco. “Impact of socio-cultural Discursive Construction of Mental Illness on Diagnosis and Management: Insights from Kenya.” Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2025 – “Language and Society” conference

2023

• September, Cape Town, South Africa. “The Discursive Construction of Appeals in a Quasi-Judicial Setting: The Case of Student Disciplinary Processes in a Selected University”. Co-authored paper presented at the African Legal and Forensic Linguistics conference.
• September, Cape Town, South Africa. “Prosecuting Predatory Cult Preachers: In Search of Language-Based Evidentiary Thresholds”. Co-authored paper presented at the African Legal and Forensic Linguistics conference.
• June-July, Melbourne, Australia. “Hustler” Vs. “Dynasty” Discourse in Kenya: A Herald of Issue-Based-Politics or a New Frontier in Othering”. Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2023 – “Language and Society” conference
• June-July, Melbourne, Australia. “Youth Languaging: A Peek into Their Attitude Towards Sex and Sexuality”. Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2023 – “Language and Society” conference

2022

• Online. “Interrogating Language as a Social Bridge Extended to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach.” Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2022 – “Language and Society” conference
• Online. “There is More than Meets the Eye’: A Discursive Construction of Conspiracy Theories around COVID-19 by Kenyans on Social Media Platforms.” Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2022 – “Language and Society” conference

2021

• Online. “Sacrificing a Woman’s Dignity at the Altar of Euphemism: The
• Portrayal of Women by Panelists Discussing Taboo Topics on Kenyan TV Shows”. Paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2021 – “Language and Society” conference

2019

• September, Warsaw, Poland “Masters of Backpedalling: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Denials of Own Statements by Kenyan”. Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2019 – “Language and Society” conference
• September, Warsaw, Poland“Shifting Language Loyalties among Kenyan Youth: A Sign of Dynamism or a Harbinger of Language Death? Co-authored paper presented at the RC 25 ISA 2019 – “Language and Society” conference.
• August, Kampala, Uganda“Teacher’s and Parents’ Preparedness for the Competence-based Curriculum in Kenya: Are the Midwives Ready to Delivery the Baby?. Co-authored paper presented at the PALFA conference.
• August, Eldoret, Kenya “The Role of Textbooks in Mother Tongue Education: An Obstacle or an Aid to Learning?Co-authored paper presented at the LAEA conference.
• July, Blomfontein, South Africa “ An Examination of the Prolonged Laboour in the Formation of Compound Words in Gikuyu” . Paper presented at the ALASA conference.
• July, Blomfontein, South Africa “ Neoliberal Discourse and Language Question in Africa: Challenges and Possibilities”” . Co-authored paper presented at the ALASA conference.

2018

• July, Toronto, Canada “Talking about Disability: Gains and Challenges in an African Context”. Co-authored paper presented at the ISA World Congress of Sociology.
• July, Toronto, Canada“Hate Speech on Social Media: Uncovering the Crevices where Hate Mongers Hide”. Co-authored paper presented at the ISA World Congress of Sociology.
• July, Cape Town, South Africa“Metafunctional Analysis of Gikuyu Clause Complexes of Expansion”. Co-authored paper presented at the ICL20 Conference.
• June, Tarragona, Spain “Language and Witchcraft as a Trade:  Insights from Machakos County, Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at: Language at the Work Place Conference.
• June, Tarragona, Spain“Communication Skills in the Workplace: The Kenyan Graduates’ Achilles Heel?” Co-authored paper presented at: Language at the Work  Place Conference.
• April, Machakos University, Kenya“A Comparison of Descriptive English Compositions of Visually Impaired and Sighted Students in Kenyan Secondary Schools”. Co-authored paper presented at the 1^st Annual International Conference.

2017

• August, Abuja, Nigeria“The Role of Edutainment in Acquiring Early Literacy Skills: Evidence from Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at the 10^th Pan African Literacy for All conference.
• August, Abuja, Nigeria“When Basic Words Become Spelling Demons for some Kenyan Pupils: Literacy Sacrificed at the Altar of Dysgraphia”. Co-authored paper presented at the 10^th Pan African Literacy for All
• August, Abuja, Nigeria“Scaling the Literacy Cliff in an Emergency Context: The Case Learners in the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at the 10^th Pan African Literacy for All conference.
• August, Abuja, Nigeria“Reading and Phonics Teaching: A Success Story from Somaliland.” Co-authored paper presented at the 10^th Pan African Literacy for All conference.
• August, Abuja, Nigeria“Illiteracy is no Defence: A Case for Improving Literacy as a Way of Enhancing Access to Justice in Kenyan Courts.” Co-authored paper presented at the 10^th Pan African Literacy for All  conference.
• July, Porto, Portugal“An Analysis of Metaphors of Incitement and their (In)admissibility in Judicial Proceedings”. Co-authored paper presented at the 13^th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Forensic Linguists.
• July, Porto, Portugal“The Forked Road to justice: Analysis of Metaphors in ICC Discource.” Co-authored paper presented at the 13^th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Forensic Linguists.
• “The Capacity to Assess and Treat Communication Disabilities in Kenya: Field-based Evidence”. Co-authored paper presented at the 6^thEast African International conference on communication disability.

2016

• November, Nairobi, Kenya“Competence in English as a Gateway to Education in Kenya: An Enabler or a Hindrance for Somali Refugees in Dadaab?” Paper presented at the Asylum Seekers in Kenya
• August, Accra, Ghana“Adult and Life-long Learning and Development: Lessons from Somaliland. Co-authored paper presented at the INCEDI International Conference.
• August, Accra, Ghana“Bridging the Distance in Distance E-learning: Lessons from Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps in Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at the INCEDI International Conference.
• May, Nairobi, Kenya:Attended an international conference on English and Communication

2015

• October, Brasilia, Brazil“Carving Identity from a Nameless Code: The Case of a Secondary School in Nairobi, Kenya”. Presented at the University of Brazil.
• April, Nairobi, Kenya“The Pot Calling the Kettle Black? Of the Case of Theses Examiners in a Kenyan Public University”. Presented at Strathmore University during the English for Effective Communication Conference.
• February, Kenyatta University, Kenya“The Role of Social Networks in Informal French Language Learning in the Tourism Industry in Mombasa County, Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at the International Conference on Foreign Languages and Literature in February.

2014

• August, Kenyatta university, Kenya“Negotiating Speech Handicap through African languages”. Co-authored paper presented at the International Conference on African Languages and Literatures in the 21^st
• June, Kenyatta University, Kenya“Predicting Transcription: The Role of Pronunciation and Syllabic Stress. Presented at the Linguistics Circle Seminars, Department of English and Linguistics.
• February, Nairobi, Kenya“MOOCs: The Kenyan Experience.” Presented in Nairobi at the Third Pan-Africa Conference on training of Translators, Conference Interpreters and Public Service Interpreters

2013

• August, Nairobi, Kenya: “Utilizing Resources in Linguistic Minority Communities to Enhance Acquisition of Literacy Skills among Learners: Evidence from Maasai, Turkana and Nubian Language Groups in Kenya”. Co-authored paper presented at the International Pan Africa Reading for all conference (Colloquium).

2012

• September, Cambridge, Britain “Negotiating Language and Cultural Barriers in the Classroom: A Case Study of Migrant Learners in the Daadab Refugee Camp in Kenya, Africa”. Presented the Co-authored paper.

2010

• July, Nairobi, Kenya“Exploiting our Linguistic Diversity to Promote Oral Skills”. Presented at the Multilingualism conference held in Kenyatta University.

2001

• May, Nairobi, Kenya“Of the Distinction between Inflectional and Derivational Morphemes”. Presented at the Linguistic Circle Seminar (Kenyatta University)

1999

• July: Pretoria, South Africa,“The Adjectival Passive in Gikuyu”. Presented at the African Language Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) conference.

1998

• July: Johannesburg, South Africa, “The Syntax and Semantics of Morphological Causatives in Central Kenya Bantu Languages”. Presented at the African Language Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) conference.