Slang and Its Relation to Society - Essay Example

Slang and Its Relation to Society Slang is a kind of language which is used mainly in casual or informal conversations. It is usually made up of newly invented words and figures of speech, which are used on purpose in order to make a conversation sound amusing and friendly. Slang expressions symbolize the attitude of people in a group and can be a feature which separates it from other factions. But for any slang expression or phrase to survive and spread, it is necessary for it be used widely by that group. Slang is not a modern day invention, but is in use for a long time now. However in its early days, slang words or phrases were met with aversion and displeasure, as opposed to nowadays when people find no hesitation in using slang expressions in everyday conversations. Some used to believe that words like gambler and conundrum should be forbidden1. During the Middle ages, where there was a great deal of difference in pronunciations between many regions, was when the word ‘slang’ actually came into being. It was unlike the slang we use today, because then it only represented the various ways in which the people delivered their speech in the same language. Then in the 16th century, the English Criminal Cant came into being, which was the language mostly used by convicts, and was more close to the slang we use today. Gradually, this form of communication became popular and was believed to be a language without reason or order2. But as time passed, slang began to develop. Scholars such as Walt Whitman regarded anything that sounded new, as slang. It gained popularity and was no longer deemed as the language of thugs or foreigners and also caught the attention of popular writers. In today’s world, slang is mostly used by subculture groups whose members want to appear distinct from others. They use certain codes and terms which are regarded as slang, and can only be understood by the people belonging to their group. It separates them from the common population and somehow deepens their affiliation to the group. By using their own informal way of conversing, they feel a sense of belonging and attachment with the other members. Each subculture group has its own slang. Whether it’s the doctors, lawyers, teenagers or criminal, all of them have their own way of communicating with each other, and it acts as a distinguishing factor between them. Medical slang is the kind used by doctors and their staff, to converse among themselves, without letting the patient or other people know what they are talking about. ‘What’s up?’ is an extremely popular slang used widely by people of all ages. It is used to merely learn what the other person is up to. Slang has become significantly popular among criminals and drug dealers. As they have to keep their conversations restricted and private in the presence of other people, an extensive list of slang phrases have been created by them to replace the standard terms. In Oliver Twist of Charles Dickens, the conspirator is named Fagin. Therefore from then on, Fagin has become parallel to a partner in crime. Gamblers and dealers have also come up with their own slang expressions. A gambler might use various terms to notify his fellow team player of the current status of the game or what move the person will be making next. Slang has been described as verbal invention keeping in mind the cultural framework3. Although slang has gained popularity over time, even today it has mixed views amongst the masses. Some consider as useful and applicable in almost any situation, while other consider it as rebellious. People who support slang often consider it as a reflection of the intelligence and witticism of the person who uses it, and sense it as a clever variation in the standard language. Other people, however, criticize the use of slang and believe that it ruins the impression one person has on the other. Also it is described sometimes as the language used by people with low esteem and character4. The range of slang speakers is enlarging. In old days, slang was only spoken by underclass like gamblers and prisoners. However, as time passed by, the sources of slang become wider and wider. Its association extended to a higher degree. Besides subculture groups, police, sportsmen, politician, students and businessmen joined the party of slang-speakers. They contributed new slang of their areas to the slang vocabulary. The areas where slang is used have grown. Slang is now no longer associated with offensiveness or barbarism, but is in every day common use. It is not only heard in every nook and corner, but appears on journals, magazines, movies and TV. When a person sees a film or talks to someone different, he or she finds it difficult to understand. They listen to every word carefully, but just cannot make out some words in a certain context. Old words are usually endowed with new meanings5. Some words were used by a certain group of people in the beginning. Afterwards people of other regions take the word in and gave it new meaning. Scholar R.A. Hudson points out that slang is worth serious study of linguists because it reflects the relationship between language and society. What slang reflects is not only people’s personality and inner world, but also their social culture. Slang is also a symbol of society and culture. For example, people from all over the world migrate to countries like America, Britain, and Canada etc. Thus, people from different nationalities contribute to the variety of cultural heritage, which later forms the diversity of slang. Language is the means of communication and also helps in spreading culture. Human language reflects the genuine image of the society and culture. So does slang. Slang is popular to English-spoken people because of its quick humor and exaggeration. To many people, slang can reflect their attitude towards reality, from which others can make out their character. People use slang to lighten the atmosphere of their conversation, to make the other person feel at ease and try to get closer to him or her. Furthermore, the sense of humor achieved by using slang cannot be ignored. “Couch potato” is a widely known expression. As soon as someone hears this phrase a picture comes into their mind: A fat man, with a big bag of potato chips in his arms, lying on the sofa, with his eyes gazing at the screen. Since slang came into existence, people used some slang whenever something influential happened. For example, in the 1940s during the Cold War, there was some new slang like ‘hotline’ which is frequently used nowadays, especially in radios and other media. Slang is used in all socioeconomic backgrounds and all different regions, but it is considered to be a lower-class way of speech, thus becoming associated with the rural areas, and especially with minorities. It drives people away from people who speak differently than themselves and closer to those who use the same that they use. In the same way that people tend to be attracted towards those with similar values and to those who use a similar pattern of speech. The less people understand what the other person is saying, the less likely they are to accept it and respect it. Slang has the tendency to drive social circles further away from each other as different types of slang come into being. Young people are known for using slang in their speech. Across all races and regions, words like ‘dude’ can be found am integral part of all teenage conversations, and we often see adults making fun of them and trying to mimic them. However, slang is a sense of belonging for youngsters; the more up-to-date and comfortable they are with the new slang words and phrases the more they feel superior to the other group members. And they also become a sort of inspiration for their peers. In recent years much of the middle class slang has been taken from African-American speech, which is often hip-hop or rap music6. A fairly harsh truth about slang is that the people who use it on a consistent basis, regardless of their background, are considered to be uneducated or of lower reputation. In this case, slang acts as a class divider. Two equally capable people may hold the same position, but if one speaks ‘properly’ and professionally, and the other speaks in slang, it is considered that the latter employee is disrespectful and unintelligent. Often, such people will not even be hired. Unfortunately, the speech of a person is related to their status, gender and race, and slang ends up causing problems like discrimination against those who frequently use it. Although all groups use slang of one sort, people still judge each other based on the slang they use. Some slang has become more widespread and thus, is more acceptable in several circles. The words "cool" and "hot" have increased in popularity and are no longer considered inappropriate. But using such words properly and in deep conversations is still considered inapt. This shows that the majority of the society believes such words to be unfitting in standard speech, and until this view changes, slang will be seen with a negative eye. People cannot ignore slang; neither can they ignore their approach towards it. From a young age, almost everyone is taught that slang is disrespectful and should not be used. Teachers forbid their students from using it, and when the students grow up, they forbid their children from using it. And this cycle continues. But still at the end of the day, be it an adult or a teenager, ends up using slang at one point or another. This is because, to most people, slang is an easy and comfortable way of speaking, through which they can enjoy a conversation and at the same time put their witticism to good use. It is a means by which people are recognized in their groups and it creates a feeling a comfort and joy. It reminds people of who they are and the places that they are a part of. Everyone is accountable for using slang. Although many people might not be proud of it, there is nothing to be ashamed of either. Everyone wants to enjoy their life once in a while. Of course, people should not be using slang in every situation, and standard language should be the main means of communication. But every now and then, it is fine to spice things up a little and bring some creativity in the normal language. And when people look towards accepting slang from other cultures and areas, it brings them closer together and they learn to accept other’s way of life. References: Dr. Samuel Johnson, the compiler of A Dictionary of the English Language Thorne, Tony. The Dictionary of Contemporary Slang. New York: Pantheon Books, 1990. Lighter, Jonathan E., ed. Historical Dictionary of American Slang. New York: Random House, Inc., 1994. The Power of Slang: Tom Dalzell. PBS. 2005 Slang & sociability: in-group language among college students By Connie C. Eble < http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=UOwcJcX-qroC&printsec=frontcover&dq=slang&hl=en&ei=klHeToW5OIbbsgbBiLD2CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q&f=false> GUO Jiu-lin, 2001 Read More