Slang is a rather complex subject, similar to the complexity of Biology. I believe there are different levels to slang. I also believe that slang itself can be identified as a second language, depending on who speaks it and where it is spoken. All my life I have spoken slang. I grew up around people who also spoke slang rather frequently. I guess one could argue slang has been a part of my very fabric since I was able to speak and remember.
Growing up I did not understand that I was speaking slang. I had never given any serious thought to the way I spoke or the people around me. I never had to. I did not realize I spoke differently or "wrong" until I was measured up against someone else's speaking, primarily white people. When I was a child I could remember being corrected by my teachers, all of whom spoke slang, but they had the ability to code switch when it was necessary, an ability I had not yet possessed.
It would often make me feel less confident when I was corrected by my teachers for speaking incorrectly, considering the fact that it was done so frequently. I could never understand why I had to adjust my speaking if my teachers understood me perfectly fine. I remember feeling a strong sense of discomfort when I spoke slang among people who did not speak slang.
Trying to adjust was like learning another language and very troubling for me. It often made me question, "What is slang?", "Why can’t I just speak the way I am comfortable?" and "Why is slang so bad if I’m perfectly understood?" All of these questions lead to my exploration of slang and compelled me to do extensive research on the subject matter. I want to understand, "why is slang considered bad in certain settings if the communication is effective?"
Slang has evolved tremendously over the years. There is not any objective defining of slang. Researchers have speculated how useful and useless slang is or has been over the years. It cannot be said that slang was ever meaningless it has been based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Table of Contents
- Slang: Defining the positive and negative effects of slang usage
- Literature Review
- Defining Slang
- Negative Slang
- Positive Slang
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to explore the complexities of slang, examining both its positive and negative impacts on communication. The author's personal experiences with slang and its perceived negative connotations in formal settings drive the inquiry.
- The definition and evolution of slang
- The social and cultural functions of slang
- The distinction between positive and negative slang
- The impact of slang on communication effectiveness
- Slang as a tool for social group identity and differentiation
Chapter Summaries
Slang: Defining the positive and negative effects of slang usage: This introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the paper by establishing the author's personal connection to slang and highlighting the central research question: why is slang considered "bad" in certain contexts despite its effective communication in others? The author introduces the complex and ever-evolving nature of slang, touching upon its subjective definitions and its potential for both positive and negative connotations, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the following sections.
Literature Review: Defining Slang: This section delves into existing research on the definition and origins of slang. It explores the various perspectives on slang's function within communication, highlighting its dynamic nature and its role in marking group membership. The author cites different researchers (Reves, Pollock, Eble, and Adams) who offer diverse perspectives on the meaning and use of slang, ranging from its metaphoric usage to its role in challenging dominant linguistic ideologies. The section establishes that the study of slang encompasses multiple aspects of language and social interaction.
Literature Review: Negative Slang: This section focuses on the negative perceptions and uses of slang. It explores the use of casual dialogue, including obscenities and potentially offensive terms. The discussion highlights how certain slang words or phrases can be perceived differently based on group membership, particularly referencing the use of slang within African American communities. Studies illustrating the lack of originality in college students' slang usage are cited, as well as arguments against restricting the study of "bad" language in educational settings for intellectual and social reasons (Adams, 2002). This section provides a counterpoint to the potential positive uses of slang examined later.
Literature Review: Positive Slang: This concluding section of the literature review counters the previous discussion by exploring the positive aspects of slang. It contrasts negative slang with words or phrases that are used to connect with listeners, foster humor, and maintain cultural connections. A South African study is cited (Bembel & Beukes 2007), emphasizing the positive impact of slang on youth identity and community building, and highlighting its ability to challenge standardized dialects. This section completes the presentation of different perspectives on slang, demonstrating its multifaceted and complex nature in communication and social dynamics.
Keywords
Slang, communication, language, social groups, cultural identity, code-switching, positive slang, negative slang, linguistic evolution, pragmatic expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Slang
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper explores the complexities of slang, examining both its positive and negative impacts on communication. The author's personal experiences with slang and its perceived negative connotations in formal settings drive the inquiry.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include the definition and evolution of slang, its social and cultural functions, the distinction between positive and negative slang, its impact on communication effectiveness, and slang as a tool for social group identity and differentiation.
What are the main chapters covered in this preview?
The preview includes an introduction defining the scope of the research, a literature review section broken down into defining slang, negative slang, and positive slang, and finally, a conclusion summarizing the key findings.
How does the paper define slang?
The paper acknowledges the complex and ever-evolving nature of slang, recognizing its subjective definitions and potential for both positive and negative connotations. It draws on various researchers' perspectives, including those of Reves, Pollock, Eble, and Adams, to provide a comprehensive understanding of its various aspects.
What are the negative aspects of slang discussed in the paper?
The paper explores the negative perceptions and uses of slang, including the use of casual dialogue, obscenities, and potentially offensive terms. It highlights how context and group membership influence the perception of slang, referencing the use of slang within African American communities and citing studies on the lack of originality in college students' slang usage. Arguments against restricting the study of "bad" language are also presented.
What are the positive aspects of slang discussed in the paper?
The paper examines the positive aspects of slang, such as its use to connect with listeners, foster humor, and maintain cultural connections. It cites a South African study (Bembel & Beukes 2007) that emphasizes slang's positive impact on youth identity, community building, and challenging standardized dialects.
What is the author's personal connection to the topic?
The author's personal experiences with slang and its perceived negative connotations in formal settings are a driving force behind the research, shaping the central research question: why is slang considered "bad" in certain contexts despite its effective communication in others?
What are the key words associated with this paper?
The key words include slang, communication, language, social groups, cultural identity, code-switching, positive slang, negative slang, linguistic evolution, and pragmatic expressions.
What is the overall conclusion of the preview?
The preview demonstrates the multifaceted and complex nature of slang in communication and social dynamics, highlighting both its potential benefits and drawbacks depending on context and audience.
- Citar trabajo
- Eliza Williams (Autor), 2013, Defining the Positive and Negative Effects of Slang Usage, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/542229
