People are surrounded with change and development in almost all spheres of life, however, out of all aspects of human existence, language is the only one which evolution is almost impossible to scrutinize in its full spectrum and beauty. Language requires no regulations , it simply flows, living its own life of unrestrained freedom, like a tiny, independent organism it develops, alters and adjusts to the surrounding reality. As an American lexicographer once perfectly put it, language […] is an uncompromising mirror […] an untouched record of thoughts, feelings, successes, failures, and intent of the people. While many linguists tried to analyze, document, as well as describe the intricate ways of language functioning, most of them were unsuccessful in their ventures. The vast majority of ordinary people use language every day, but few feel compelled enough to stop and wonder about the phenomenon of speech and why the human race is the only species on planet Earth that is privileged to be endowed with such aptitude.
The main thesis of this work is to touch upon the phenomenon of language, specifically, provide its definition, discuss the subject of language categorization, as well as enumerate and analyze the focal terms that make up the very foundations of most natural lingoes. It will also present a detailed insight in the world of colloquial speech, and related phenomena, focusing predominantly on the linguistic aspects and the analysis of CB slang. What must be mentioned is that this work’s thesis is not merely to define the most common terms in language studies, but to express and illustrate the beauty, the complexity, and the unfathomability of language phenomenon. It is to prove the versatility, as well as the speed rate in which languages evolve, alter and shape accordingly in the ever-changing reality, making language studies an inexhaustible research field for generations to come.
Table of Contents
1. TOWARDS THE MAIN VARIETIES AND STYLES OF ENGLISH
1.1 What is language ?
1.2 Language typology
1.3 Typological Classification
1.4 Genetic Classification
1.5 Social and regional varieties of English
1.6 Register, jargon, sociolect
1.7 Professional language
1.8 Varieties of English
1.8.1 Standard English
1.8.2 Scottish English
1.8.3 Welsh English
1.8.4 Irish English
1.8.5 American English
1.8.6 Other varieties
2. A STUDY OF SLANG WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AMERICAN CB SLANG
2.1 Definition of slang
2.2 The position of slang, its effects on society and the justification for its use
2.3 Types of slang
War Slang
Criminal Slang
Urban Slang
Internet Slang
Prison Slang/Grypsera
Political Slang
Afro-American Slang
Vice Slang
SMS Slang
Sex Slang
2.4 On CB radio
2.5 The CB Community
2.6 The importance of handles
2.7 Beware of the bears - law enforcement officers in the CB universe
2.8 CB slang as a type of anti-language
Objectives and Research Themes
This work examines the phenomenon of language by providing definitions, exploring categorization methods, and analyzing core linguistic terms. It investigates the nature of colloquial speech and social varieties, with a specific focus on the function, societal impact, and linguistic characteristics of American Citizen’s Band (CB) slang.
- Fundamentals of language typology and genetic classification.
- Differentiation between variety, dialect, accent, register, jargon, and sociolect.
- Comparative analysis of major English varieties (British, American, Scottish, Welsh, Irish).
- Sociological and semantic study of CB slang as a community-building tool.
- Analysis of police-related terminology within the CB universe using metaphors and metonymy.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 The definition of Slang
Slang in its simplest form is frequently associated with a type of language characterized by colloquialism and the use of words that are socially unacceptable or perceived as vulgar. It is, however, yet another linguistic phenomenon which is difficult to define and characterize. As noted by Dalzell and Victor (2008:xv) slang […] is easy enough to use, but very hard to write about with the facile convincingness that a subject apparently so simple would, at first sight, seem to demand. Cambridge Advanced Dictionary defines slang as […] very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people. For Collins COBUILD Advanced Dictionary […] slang consists of words, expressions and meanings that are informal and are used by people who know each other very well or who have the same interests. All these definitions, however, shed no positive light whatsoever, on the phenomenon and its ubiquity. In reality, most of us unconsciously use slang terms and expressions on a regular basis, proving how common and influential it is. Carl Sandburg, an American poet once described it as […] a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands and goes to work.48 G.K. Chesterton referred to slang as […]the one stream of poetry which is constantly flowing.49 Such description is somehow far-fetched, since, while slang does make use of numerous figures of speech, its aims are clearly not poetic, but rather humorous or derisive (cf. Crystal 1997). Colloquial language and individuals who use it, try to stand apart from the rest of the society and the way they speak is a powerful medium used to express this attempt.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 TOWARDS THE MAIN VARIETIES AND STYLES OF ENGLISH: This chapter introduces fundamental concepts in linguistics, including language typology, genetic classification, and a distinction between various language-related terms, followed by an overview of major English dialects.
CHAPTER 2 A STUDY OF SLANG WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AMERICAN CB SLANG: This chapter analyzes the definition and social function of slang, ultimately applying these theories to the specific subculture of CB radio users and their unique code for police interactions.
Keywords
language, dialect, jargon, language classification, language varieties, slang, social change, CB radio, police, sociolinguistics, terminology, communication, identity, anti-language, semantics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this publication?
The work primarily explores the phenomenon of language, focusing on definitions, categorization, and the evolution of social varieties, with a deep dive into the specific linguistic landscape of American CB radio slang.
What are the central thematic fields?
The book covers linguistic typology, the distinction between professional and colloquial language styles, the evolution of English dialects, and the sociological function of secret codes or "anti-languages" within subcultures.
What is the primary research question?
The research explores how language functions as an evolving tool for identity and communication, specifically asking how slang acts as a cohesive mechanism within the CB radio community to represent reality and manage social distance.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining literature reviews on linguistic theory with a social and semantic analysis of slang vocabulary, utilizing specific data sets like the CB radio code.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body treats language typology, the definitions of sociolect, jargon, and register, the description of various English varieties, and the specific socio-linguistic analysis of CB radio terminology related to law enforcement.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include language, dialect, jargon, language varieties, slang, social change, CB radio, and police.
How is the term 'handle' significant in the context of the CB community?
A 'handle' serves as an on-the-air pseudonym that reflects the user's identity, interests, or social background, acting as a signal of membership and acceptance within the CB subculture, distinct from mere nicknames.
Does the author classify CB slang as an 'anti-language'?
The author concludes that while CB slang shares some features with anti-languages (such as lexical coding), it is ultimately too light-hearted and socially integrated to be categorized as a true anti-language, unlike more hostile criminal codes.
- Quote paper
- Paweł Migut (Author), 2010, The study of social varieties of English with special emphasis on the Am. E. CB slang, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/164073
