A Classical Argument on Language - Coursework Example

Monet Johnson English Composition 01/30/15 A ical Argument on Language The English language has a number of variations in the levels of the language such as dialect, vernacular, and how the language varies phonetically as a whole. The approach to speaking the English language has had a plethora of change over the course of time since its development (Auer). For example the way the average American speaks is entirely different from the way Shakespeare wrote in his time. Despite the ongoing changes on how people speak the language, many of the qualifications for certain elements of the language are still considered absolute. For instance, the definition of vernacular is, “the native language or native dialect of a particular population. The latter is critical when distinguishing it from lingua franca of the famous group that occupies a region, or it could be a literary work. Further extensions may even cover the entire nation. Slang is in the record for being informal and not standard. It is made up of words and phrases whose changing lifespan is very short. The rubric to a form of expression in the English language as standard or not is a real task (Slang). The means of determining that variations of slang and vernaculars qualify to be a reference to a standard is enough dynamic. It mainly depends on the speaker and for how long they have been speaking the language consistently. Despite the experts especially looking at the groups of people speaking the language, the process should remain objective. The criterion for a form of speech to be considered standard varies and is somewhat absolute because the pattern is constant throughout many different languages. Basing on the fact that the language is dynamic, the entire framework should also change as a response to time. An example of this is what Johnson states about slang, “Slang is a way in which languages change and its renewal” (Slang). Some of the criteria are; having recognized grammar, standard pronunciation, public use, popularity, majority speakers, as well as media and business usage. The English language encompasses a variety of vernaculars. For example, African American Vernacular English is acknowledged as a standard form of speech. It is so because the African American speaker publically uses it, and it is also quite familiar within the African American Culture the grammar used in AAVE has also been studied and recognized as standard. The manner in which the specialists establish meanings that are usable in relation to the terms public use and popularity is only taken as objective if it considers the other forms by other persons. Mostly these are dialects and speech that other people find useful to them but are different from what other parties use. For instance, slang is a form of expression for the English language, “non-standard words or phrases such as lexical innovations. These tend to originate in subcultures within a society.  Slang often suggests that the person utilizing the words or phrases is familiar with the hearers group or subgroup. The following can be considered a distinguishing factor of in-group identity” (Rhein). In this excerpt, Johnson confirms that despite the extensive use of slang by people of varied cultures and regions, it remains a form of language that is not standard. It is also used through many different ports of technology by many different people, meaning “majority speakers” yet and still it is not in official recognition as a standard dialect or vernacular. The baseline is terming something as being objective when the operational definition is made available. As a result, the argument advocates strongly for operational definitions. There is no absolute operational definition of popularity or the extent of public use. When the use of speech of a particular manner becomes prevalent among a particular group of persons of a specific age or a generation, then the form of address is said to be regional. For example, slang is most abundantly used through text messages and social media, which is more popular in the younger generations and younger speakers. Therefore how can one determine the categorization of these forms of speech without being objective to the different criteria used to categorize them? Johnson states slang as; “The different dialects and the different pronunciations represented the first meaning of the term “slang.” (Rhein) The initial point is to objectify whether to term particular forms of speech as standard or not. In this manner, the dynamism in speaking the English language is to integrate the variations into the framework. African American Vernacular English is acknowledged as a standard form of speech because it meets the criteria. How far should a language go forth to meeting specifications in the plan for it to in the record as standard? Slang for example, meets a number of criteria but still accepted standard form speech In relation to the latter; this is where public use and popularity come into play. Their definitions are paramount in this case. In addition, it seems the value we accord to the criterion determines its status. For example, popularity is one of the criteria that is at a high value by the experts who decide the standardization of forms of speech. When discussing AAVE, much emphasis is placed on how the majority of the African American Culture uses this form of speech. That leads one to infer that values play a crucial role in the policies in which the criteria are in production. Slang is popular and used nationwide, but there are not as many majority speakers within the different cultures and regions (Villanueva). Therefore, it holds a lower value and does not coincide with policy. AAVE is usable throughout music and literature and has distinct grammar and phonetic sounds because of its different vocabulary and verb tenses. These aspects of the vernacular are recognizable because they have been present and studied over time. Slang also has a distinct vocabulary as well as different phonetic sounds; the difference is that the linguistics of how slang is have not been studied enough to become recognized. Although both of these forms of speech are expressed accurately within particular groups, AAVE is used within the African American Culture, and slang is used within the younger generations nationwide. Therefore, although both forms of speech fit the criteria, the latter can only be said to be the objective if its specificity is quite outstanding. Although working operational definitions would be ideal for the policies that determine the standardization of forms of speech in the English language, many experts would refute this. They claim that this would eliminate many differentiations between varying forms of expression, which could cause issues both linguistically and phonetically (Wikipedia). That is because once an acknowledgment is to a form of speech as a standard form of address, it is deemed appropriate to use on a regular within society. That could cause many barriers of understanding to develop. Many people use slang and AAVE these both would both have to under incorporation into an official aspect of the English language, such as the dictionary, and media and business use. Both slang and AAVE have very distinct phonetics and grammar and in many situations are considered incorrect forms of the English language. That would lead to a conflict between being standard and appropriate in regards to these forms of speech. Therefore many would refute this argument with counter claims stating that this change would create many problems within understanding and linguistics. The American culture uses code-switching frequently either subconsciously or consciously. The above concept is very relevant when correctly integrates into a variety of languages thus the speakers of the languages could easily communicate. Further, it may distinguish the individuals in perspective to belong to particular classes depending on their mix to the languages. In that case, code-switching is a leveling ground for persons who communicate using different languages and have difficulties in that matter. Benefits that come with code-switching are vast including achieving success and ability to change in ways that were not in check. A number of things surround code-switching including codes that are mixed. The centrality of quality that encompasses code-switching forms an umbrella around this concept. Through code-switching, the language barrier has been minimal especially in the United States where people conversing could adjust so as to be clear on what they were communicating to the other party. The case according to Jamie Rhen is one where more than three hundred and eleven languages were in existence in the United States with more than fourteen million families having their local language. The latter is as of 2007 where culture clashing was a common phenomenon that even the workforce was affected. Consequently, the incorporation of code-switching into the system is a savior in handling language barrier (Thompson). Further, it also involved the use of other techniques such as mixing codes. The latter allows for changes to speech thus incorporation of aliens into their working environments so as to achieve the universal goal. Experts in the field have pointed to the use of code-switching together with mixed codes so frequently that it is not different from the others in a sentence. The usefulness of code-switching is very prevalent thus it is part of peoples speech. The idea of cultures clashing is being done away with at a very fast rate. Frequent use of code switching and use of codes that are in language have been an enormous contribution to this. Consequently, the benefits to the society have grown now than ever. Despite code-switching finding use in the culture, it also applies to the world of professionalism. They need to use it to communicate with other professionals as a build up on the set of skills they have. The persons talking should do so in a professional way as to convey the message that colleagues can relate. The genesis of code switching dates back to the days of schooling. A student was required to conform to behaviors that had already been set by the school. They were to speak a given language that was modified compared to what the student was aware. The latter was to create uniformity and beat the standards set by the institution. The changes in the system are to produce professionalism and class among the students. The above adjustments make up code-switching. The new culture in the professional world is one that the society cannot do. Code-Switching in such a setting where large groups of people keep interacting is very health to check the interactions and behaviors of the individuals in place. Code-Switching is part of the human linguistics. Various scenarios portray code-switching. For instance, some of these happen incidentally which is a reminder of the happenings that occurred in the past. Individuals represent such behaviors when they are in a tight situation that requires them to reach out to something they can relate. There may be changes in speech, the way they respond to issues or a shift in their tone. The case of Matt Thompson to adapt to the surrounding culture in Japan is a demonstration of code-switching. He had to change to his old language when things were tough. The emotional shift he demonstrated when in stress was an evident failure in the use of language. The persons in his environs could relate to this quickly. There are various reasons for code-switching. First, is a case where the speaker does so for them to be or suite a specific class of people? Many cases demonstrate how code-switching helps societies to comprehend what the other parties are saying. It blends more than one culture for the sole reason of understanding. However, some speakers like Dr. Carmen dont think so (Fought). They believe that there is very little that somebody can learn from code-switching. They firmly hold that it is vital for people to maintain the way they speak. That goes along with the believe that you can trace and understand somebodys culture by what they speak. The dominant culture will always crop up in the conversation of these individuals mostly as a result of the pressure they face. Other individuals do so for the sole reason of portraying a particular type of image to those around them. Code-Switching brings a lot of convenience to individuals using them against people of a different cultural setting. However, the background of the person does not change. It remains the same. In conclusion, the criterion should still be changed so that they are entirely objective so that they may be viewed on the same platform because they have many mutual elements. Although the implementation of this change may cause initial issues, it is still crucial to developing operational definitions. That is within the criteria of the policies used because the issue itself would not be at hand if the criterion had been objective in the first place. Many people speak different forms of English developing many different vernaculars and dialects, all of which are recognizable as such, with this change they would be. Despite overlooking, it is prevalent in our society and plays a very vital role in bridging the gap between the various cultures. Code-Switching has a significant impact on the individual and the society as a whole especially the professional world. Its effects are many and include alteration of language and the individuals using it. Code-Switching will continue to affect the languages, and its repercussions will be in the society. Works Cited Wikipedia “African American Vernacular English." Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. Auer, Peter. "Code-Switching in Conversation: Language, Interaction and Identity." Google Books. Routledge, 4 July 2013. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. Read More