Friday, March 26, 2010
Slang
Slang can be described as informal, nonstandard words or phrases (lexical innovations) which tend to originate in subcultures within a society. Slang often suggests that the person utilizing the words or phrases is familiar with the hearer's group or subgroup--it can be considered a distinguishing factor of in-group identity. Microsoft Encarta states: "slang expressions often embody attitudes and values of group members." In order for an expression to become slang, it must be widely accepted and adopted by members of the subculture or group. Slang has no societal boundaries or limitations as it can exist in all cultures and classes of society as well as in all languages. Slang expressions are created in basically the same way as standard speech. As stated in Microsoft Encarta, "expressions may take form as metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech." In addition, it is noted that the words used as slang may be new coinages, existing words may acquire new meanings, narrow meanings of words may become generalized, words may be abbreviated, etc. However, in order for the expression to survive, it must be widely adopted by the group who uses it. Slang is a way in which languages change and are renewed.
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I believe this article brings up some valid points about slang. I agree that slang is a form of expression. It is a short version of Standard English used by people of different societial groups. Sometimes people only have a little time to express what they have to say and slang is a way on doing that in the amount of time you have available. I believe slang is a great way to express yourself in some atmospheres.
ReplyDeleteI agree slang is a form of expression and that it is the way language changes and is renewed. This is a more positive way to look at it, and gives slang credit for being its own language. What people fail to realize is that even though slang and Ebonics are heavy with incorrect forms grammar and English it consist still words that originates from correct English, its just a more modern way of speaking
ReplyDeleteIt is known that speaking in slang terms allows someone to show expression. Even though slang is not grammatically correct, there are still plenty of people that use slang. Sometimes, people find it easier to just speak slang because it can be an abbreviation of words, versus speaking the entire word. On the other hand, there are people that actually speak in slang terms to show his/her feelings. Slang is definitely its own language.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that slang is just another way of expressing one's thoughts with using words differently. I think that slang is very common and that it is not to be taken as a serious matter, as long as, people know when and when not to use it. As long as the individual know when to turn it on and off, it is fine.
ReplyDeleteI think the most insightful comment the author made was that slang is boundless. This is very important because a lot of times we view slang as something that is or isn't, and we confine it to a certain location. For example, people from the inner cities are presumed to speak Ebonics, and people outside of this area do not. However, the reality is that the slang language slowly fades out as geography brings distance. People outside of the inner city still speak Ebonics, but it is just a more diluted form. This is also seen with Southern slang. Even though Carbondale is not technically a part of the south, some people here still speak Southern slang. There is not a line that divides where slang is and is not spoken. Like the author said, slang is boundless.
ReplyDeleteSlang is something that will be around whether people find it as an actual language or just jargon. Many people have different perceptions of slang as well and what one person might see as normal conversation, someone else may see it has slang and jargon. Slang in my opinion should be used more in a social setting than a professional setting but I feel that if one uses slang on a regular basis, it may become his or hers normal language. I feel that slang needs to be used in the appropriate time and place.
ReplyDeleteI believe that slang is a form of expression and through slang one is able to understand someones culture a little better. I do not think that slang is sometime to be taken seriously unless it becomes a problem and students cannot distinguish between Standard English and slang. I also feel that slang allows each generation of people develop its own individuality.
ReplyDeleteSlang is a way for someone or a group of people to express themselves. It is interesting to see slang from different cultures or different eras. I thought what the author said about how slang has no limitations in a culture was very interesting. I agree with this statement. However, slang should be used in certain settings.
ReplyDeleteI agree that slang is a way of communication that is different from the norm present in society. Every culture has its own type of slang that ranges from its use in the medical field to everyday speech. I agree with the author and their view of how slang has no limitations. Once everyone accepts each other difference then understanding will eventually follow.
ReplyDeleteThis article is interesting because slang is common within each culture. To me, slang varies not only between cultures, but also throughout groups of people. My friends and I have our own slang that we use. It is a way to express yourself and it really does not have limitations.
ReplyDeleteSlang is a certain kind of language for a community, but i do believe that there is a time and place where slang should be used. Knowing how to turn slang on and off seems to be a challenge for many people.
ReplyDelete