Street Language and Social Survival in Gulu City: Insights from Aguu, the Socially Excluded Youth

Abstract

This paper examines the role of street language as a survival skill among the street children ‘Aguu’, a socially excluded youth in Gulu City, who continuously face stigmatization and discrimination in the community. The study used a qualitative research approach and historical design, involving participant observation, life history interviews and in-depth one-on-one oral interviews as data collection methods. Key findings from recent studies indicate that, over time, street language has emerged as a significant marker of social identity, particularly among marginalized and alienated groups. This linguistic phenomenon is especially prevalent among the youth, often derogatively referred to as "Aguu" by mainstream society. The study argues that street language fosters unity and identity among its speakers, acting as a form of resistance to societal exclusion. The study also contends that the culture of the youth, urbanization and post-conflict recovery have intensified and extended linguistic perspectives and forms of street communication, as economic and social transformations that reshape language use in Gulu City. This paper maintains that street language plays a crucial role as a means of identity and resilience for the socially excluded youth in Gulu City, as it allows them to navigate life on issues related to security, relationship-related inclusion, daily needs, conflict resolution, employment and medical needs. The paper concludes that the experiences of street children in Gulu City illustrate their resilience, adaptability, and determination to survive amidst systemic exclusion and societal neglect. Accordingly, the study recommends community-based support systems in order to create safe spaces and support networks for street children, provision of accessible and affordable mental health care and substance abuse counselling, as well as collaborative inclusive language and reduced stigma efforts to humanize experiences of these children, and foster greater community empathy and understanding within Gulu City. Above all, the study argues that both social institutions and government agencies should abandon the use of the term 'Aguu' to refer to street children, as it serves as a primary mechanism of social exclusion. This term, which has been adopted by both society and governmental bodies, carries derogatory connotations and reinforces the marginalization of these individuals