Details pages 6-7
Communication studies lecturer: E1 The first thing to say about language change is it's inevitable.
Language is a living thing, constantly expanding, evolving, and adapting to the humans who use it. We see language change in all areas of language— syntax, phonology, orthography, and semantics. For now, let's just focus on semantics, and on one particular area of semantic change which always grabs people's attention: slang. We all recognize slang, we all use slang. And we use it for a reason. It gives our language a special feel and says something about us. So I'm going to talk a bit about what slang is, who uses it and why, where it comes from, and how it is received. E2 So what is slang? Here's a definition you might want to jot down: Slang is informal language which tends to be associated with particular groups of people and therefore helps define their identity. Slang often breeds among deprived groups or groups we think of as secretive or underground or nonconforming. Today, though, these associations are becoming much weaker and now everyone uses slang. E3 So let me home in on this idea of identity as it leads us into the question of why people use slang. A lot of slang comes from people not wanting to be understood by those outside their group. We typically think of using language in order to be understood, but another use of language is to prevent understanding. People use exclusive or private language to give their group a distinct identity. With slang, people can tease one
UNIT 1
another, else at a distance tences.
and keep
or subcultures" wak now who the are A a
they want people no shang helps to are, and what they stand for - and sly, then, than sonsiruct hat experiences, beliefs, and wies fis peaker. y using the slang associated into a particular social group. Being in-group denotes inclusion or sceptance because you plaste. the group rule»
Being out group is the ape speakes being excluted
Ever notice how non-native hase as are so eager lo learn slang even before they have a basic grasp of the language? Well, that's because it's a signal of integration of membership: "heek this language, i belong." In a word, slang is cohesive. ES Now lets look at the personal benefits of using slang. First, when you use slang well, you show that you're in the with the times, that you know what is culturally in fashion and you're part of it. Using slang makes you desirable. The second benefit of using slang is that you demonstrate your mastery of the situation you become an expert. This is because slang is only used in certain settings. And knowing how and when to use it or when not to use it gives you a kind of status. E6 A third benefit of using slang is that it allows you to share social and emotional experiences. So it reinforces your relationships. For example, if you say to your friend,
, "My new sound
system is really safe," you're saying more than just
"It's very good." Your use of slang equates sharing an emotional experience. And a fourth benefit of using slang is it's fun. It's often humorous and very creative, like poetry. The semanticist S. I. Hayakawa actually described slang as the "poetry of everyday life." In other words, slang is also a form of play, or entertainment. E7 So, what are the major inspirations for slang? Well, there are a few that never seem to go out of fashion. I'm talking about love and romance. It's also used for emotional expressions of like and dislike, and you can probably think of dozens of them. These particular slang terms seem to have a pretty short life. They're being replaced by newer words and phrases all the time. And, like I said, if you want to stay cool, you've got to keep up with the changes. E8 But there's another category of slang term that's really taken off recently, and that's the slang of new technology. Things like personal computers, the Internet, e-mail, and mobile technology. These things have become one of the richest sources of slang, and there are tons of websites designed to celebrate or decode that slang. Here we see certain, often youthful communities, using this to distance themselves from the technologically challenged older generations. E9 So, we've seen what slang is, who uses it and why, and what inspires it. Unit Test
1. In what order does the speaker talk about the topic? 1. a. who uses slang and why, attitudes about
6.
slang, the main inspirations for slang
b. the main inspirations for slang, attitudes about slang, who uses slang and why
c. attitudes about slang, who uses slang and why, the main inspirations for slang
d. who uses slang and why, the main inspirations for slang, attitudes about slang