Slang and Informal Language's Effect on Everyday Life

ElevatEd
Blog
August 29, 2023

Language is an evolving, constantly changing phenomena that is impacted by a number of elements, including culture, environment, and social interactions. Slang is a collection of words, phrases, and idioms that are not found in formal language but are often used by specific communities or groups. This article explores the power, uses, and communication impacts of slang as well as its significance in the development of cultural identities. Learn about slang and much more at 98thPercentile's ELA program. Check it out now.

Download FREE English Worksheets!

Defining Slang

Slang is a colloquial language composed of specific words and expressions that are typically employed by particular social groupings or subcultures. Slang is subject to change quickly and can vary among social variables, including geographic region, age groups, and professional backgrounds. It is a manifestation of the values that its speakers hold dear.

Usage

Slang can be used to communicate in a variety of ways. First, it fortifies a sense of community and shared identity. A group's use of slang reveals a common history, set of values, and degree of experience. For example, "algorithm" and "debug" are terms that IT experts could use to connect with someone based on a shared interest.

Secondly, slang can function as a form of social differentiation. Slang terminology and phrases can be used to denote belonging to a certain age or social group. For example, young people usually create their own terminology to set themselves apart from adults.

Lastly, among friends or peers, slang may be used to express familiarity and togetherness. It could create a casual atmosphere and foster a sense of camaraderie that formal language might not be able to convey.

Start Learning English – Get FREE Worksheets!

Effect

The use of slang has a big impact on communication. While official language is precise and structured, slang gives passion and subtlety. Slang is frequently the result of language gaps, or the incapacity of formal words to appropriately convey specific concepts or experiences. Consider "hangry," a term that combines the terms "hungry" and "angry."

This conveys the nuanced rage that accompanies hunger. Additionally, slang can stimulate wordplay and creativity. Sometimes referred to as "can't," Shakespearean slang is a vocabulary that defies convention and obscures meanings. Slang continues to encourage innovative language use.

Cultural Identity Formation

One essential component of cultural identity is slang. Slang is created by community members to express their beliefs, viewpoints, and experiences. For instance, the slang of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has influenced pop culture, fashion, and music.

Slang serves as a linguistic fingerprint, indicating one's affiliation with a certain cultural group or subculture. It can also be used for protest and social criticism. During times of oppression, marginalized groups have used slang to communicate discreetly, creating a sense of unity and defiance.

Evolution and Obstacles

Slang is always changing, even though it can be challenging to comprehend. Terminology can quickly become outdated, and slang can change swiftly as well. What is fashionable today may not be in the future. Slang's informality can occasionally cause miscommunications, particularly when persons of different ages or ethnicities are speaking to each other.

Misunderstandings can occur when someone interprets a slang word differently than intended. This highlights the significance of context while utilizing slang. Furthermore, some terminology makes use of wrong language or promotes misconceptions, both of which are signs of cultural discrimination. Slang has the power to empower and to exclude. Learn the proper usage and meaning of slang with 98thPercentile so that the obstacles can be overcome and is appropriate.

Slang in Tech Age

The digital era has altered the slang landscape. Social networking sites, texting, and online forums have all helped slang proliferate. Abbreviations, acronyms, and emojis have evolved into a digital language that can effectively express complex emotions.

The need for brevity on these platforms has led to language compression, which breaks down words and sentences into their most basic components. This incident demonstrates how slang can be adaptable while yet going against accepted linguistic conventions.

Popular Culture Slang

Slang is widely used in popular culture and frequently reflects changes in socioeconomic conditions. Influencers, performers, and musicians use their skills to promote jargon. TV series, films, and viral videos may all have catchphrases that swiftly find their way into common conversation. This dynamic interplay between slang and the media shows how language changes in reaction to new forms of communication.

Book FREE English Trial Classes Now!

Finally, slang has a unique impact on daily life. Its varied objectives, impact on communication, role in creating cultural identity, issues, and development make it an intriguing phenomenon in language.

Slang fosters creativity, connection, and a sense of community by bridging the gap between formal language and informal communication. Slang's evolution due to its influence on society and communication shows how flexible language can be. Learn more about the language and take ELA classes with 98thPercentile by enrolling now. Join our 1-week free trial classes by signing in to www.98thpercentile.com.

FAQs

Q1: What is slang?

Ans: Slang is informal language used for casual communication within particular groups or cultures. It is frequently fun or trendy.

Q2: Is slang acceptable?

Ans: Slang is fine in casual contexts, but standard English is necessary for professionalism and clarity in formal communication.

Q3: Why is it called slang?

Ans: The word 'slang' refers to casual, non-traditional speech or idioms and comes from old Norse or English.

Q4: Is learning slang okay for my child?

Ans: Yes, it's normal to learn slang, but for efficient communication, it should be tempered with appropriate language use. This is taught at 98thPercentile's ELA program.

Q5: In the digital era, why has slang become so common and acceptable?

Ans: Trends, brevity, and the demand for instantaneous, relatable online connections all contribute to the prevalence of slang in digital communication.