Use of Slang in Different Linguistic Perspectives - Report Example

Investigation about the Use of Slang in Different Linguistic Perspectives Introduction Slang is generally used as an expression and informal words bypeople across the world. The formation and development of slang is associated with history of different countries with which they are associated. The unique function as well as features of slang is different with respect to linguistic aspects. The use of slang identifies different culture linked with its country of origin. For instance, American slang represents the society and culture of America. According to But (2011), slang is defined as a “language with attitude” (p.1). Slang is an informal use of vocabulary that is considered to be below standard with respect to phrases and words used in a language. Additionally, slang also indicates the values as well as attitudes associated with different existing cultures. It has been further argued in the context of linguistic uprising that the use of slang negatively affects the traditional rules of speech and languages. Slang has been defined as a diverse mixture of speech that is likely to be used by different speakers as well as group of individuals (But, 2011; Heiman, 1967). The variety of speech can be classified according to the different linguistic features for instance phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics among others (Fasola, n.d). In this context, the paper analyses the use of slang in view to everyday language with respect to different linguistic perspectives. It also examines different definitions of slang and analyses diverse aspects of language in order to have a better understanding of slang. In addition to linguistic features, slang is also related to different social characteristics. Different social functions associated with slang are also analyzed. Furthermore, the social functions of slang are related to linguistic aspects that have been discussed in the paper. Definition of Slang The use of slang is related to informal language used in case of personal conversations. Slang is the combination of different words used in language in an informal manner. Slang is used in diverse forms mainly in English language. For instance, the use of slang can be identified in English magazine or particular movie that in turn indicates the use of slang in media. Slang has been defined as an informal use of different words spoken by particular group of individuals (But, 2011). Different approaches have been used to develop terms used in slang. The technical terms may also result to the development of slang. Slang is also defined as an inside language, as it is likely to be created by subgroups of different societies. The language used with respect to slang is associated with proper understanding among the group of individual. Slang is also defined as below standard use of vocabulary and its use is limited within particular group in a society. The words or a phrases used in the context of slang also define different subcultures within the society. The terms used as slang are also related to other areas including violence as well as crime. The development of slang is influenced by a number of factors including social environment of the speakers as well as desire of particular group of members (Fasola, n.d.). Slang in Different Linguistic Perspectives Slang is influenced by a number of linguistic features including phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics that are likely to affect the use of languages. The formation of slang is associated with the process of word formation. The sound pattern is another feature of slang expression with respect to phonology. Different sound patterns are used in slang in order to increase stress on the use of a particular word or phrase. Moreover, rhyming of slang is associated with creativeness. For instance, use of phrase such as ‘she is going up the apple’ is used rather than ‘she is going up stairs’. The uses of college slang for example, “take a chill pill” indicates a state of rest, which signifies the relation between rhyme associated with sound and slang. In the context of phonology, alliteration is also likely to influence the use of slang in language (Diniz de Figueiredo, 2011; Moore, Bindler & Pandich, 2010). Alliteration is associated with the repetition of consonant or vowels, for instance, ‘waste case’ uses to signify a drunken. Creation of slang is also associated with morphology in the context of English language. Morphology is one the characteristics of linguistic aspects that is linked with the word structure. The construction of words is associated with morpheme that is considered to be the smallest part of language and is likely to influence the use of slang. Morpheme is also correlated with semantic contents of English grammar. The structure of words used as slang is influenced by linguistic feature of language. The morphological process is used to create new words used in English language and therefore is likely to influence the formation of words in slang. In the linguistic context, syntax is the rules used in language in order to frame different sentences (Diniz de Figueiredo, 2011; Peters, 2006). The sentences structure or the syntax feature of linguistic aspect is not as essential as compared to other features. Slang is characterized by different linguistic features including sociological properties. The multiple natures of slang as well as their different functions are likely to estimate the sociological properties associated with the use of sang. The sociological feature can be classified according to speaker of slang and the listeners. The factors that are likely to influence the speakers involve restriction with respect to group to which an individual belongs. Moreover, cultural restriction is another factor that is likely to influence the sentence structure as well as use of slang by a particular individual or group. Cultural restriction is also determined to have an influence on the use of slang owing to the association between different factors that include social capital as well as status and hierarchies as well as language (Moore, Bindler & Pandich, 2010; Heiman, 1967). Social Functions of Slang In the context of language, use of slang is widely affected by social factors. Interpersonal function of slang is the most important factor that is likely to affect its use. The social function of language is related to the process of communication. Therefore, the use of slang in language is likely to affect the communication process between individuals. Categories of slang used by groups are different, which signifies the symbol of differentiation between diverse groups. For instance, the use of words or expression by a particular social group defines the mentality of particular group members. This in turn signifies the fact that communication process of groups is different from each other (Zhou & Fan, 2013; Belasco, 1978). For instance, the use of particular college slang by an individual indicates the belongingness to a distinct group. The belongingness to a particular group indicates self-identity of individuals. The emotional function of the slang users indicates the attitude of a particular individual. The association of emotional function with language is essential, as it is responsible for changing the emotional status of a particular individual. In the social context, slang is used as an effective way to express the feelings of an individual in order to remove tension associated with psychological burden. The process of communication is associated with the manner of speaking to an individual that in turn affects the slang’s social function. Improper use of content is speech or the use of slang in a particular situation also has the potential to ruin the social relationship between individuals. Therefore, the use of slang in a particular environment may have negative impact on social contact with different individuals (Zhou & Fan, 2013; Moore, Bindler & Pandich, 2010). Conclusion From the above discussion, the use of slang in the context of linguistic perspective has been comprehended. Slang is widely used on a global context and therefore is likely to be influenced by different cultures and societies. The use of slang by a particular individual or group also signifies the attitudes and expressions. The informal use of vocabulary is likely to affect the structure of language. In the context of slang, different combinations of speech are used by the speakers that in turn affect the structure of language used. Variety of speeches used in language has been classified according to the linguistic characteristics that include phonology, morphology and syntax among others. The use of slang is different according to linguistic patterns and has been analyzed to be an important aspect for informal way of communication. Formation of a word or phrase used as slang is also associated with the sound pattern in the context of phonology. The sound pattern is likely to influence the innovativeness of words or phrases used by individuals. The use of rhyming words with respect to phonology has been identified as one of the essential factors that are related to creativeness. In addition to this, the use of alliteration has also been preferred in use of slang by different groups of individuals. Morphological process associated with formation of new words in English language also influences the type of words preferred by different groups. Social functions associated with use of slang have been an important aspect in terms of communicating among peer groups and reduce psychological tension. The use of slang is determined to be interpersonal and therefore, it is likely to affect the process of interaction among individuals. The use of particular words or expressions defines the mentality of a particular individual and is different in case of each social group. Therefore, it can be concluded from the above discussion that the use of slang is different with respect to linguistic perspective. References Belasco, S. (1978). Derived and modified nouns in French slang. Lingua, 48, 177-192. But, R. (2011). Slang as linguistic performance in the eighteenth century: A case-study. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1701706/Slang_as_a_Linguistic_Performance_in_the_Eighteenth_Century_A_Case-Study Diniz de Figueiredo, E. H. (2011). To borrow or not to borrow: the use of English loanwords as slang on websites in Brazilian Portuguese. English Today, 26(4C), 5-12. Fasola, J. (n.d.). Slang and its history. Retrieved from http://www.dukonference.lv/files/proceedings_of_conf/53konf/valodnieciba_literaturzinatne/Fasola.pdf Heiman, E. (1967). The use of slang in teaching linguistics. The English Journal, 56, 249-252. Moore, R. L., Bindler, E., & Pandich, D. (2010). Language with attitude: American slang and Chinese liyu. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 14(4), 524-538. Peters, M. (2006). A slang word that’s spreading like crazy. American Speech, 81(2), 218-224. Zhou, Y. & Fan, Y., 2013. A sociolinguistic study of American slang. Theory and practice in language studies, 3(12), 2209-2213. Read More