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Use of Slang

In: Computers and Technology

Submitted By jimmysuge
Words 2182
Pages 9
Introduction
Slang is an independent non -literary form of human language. Though scholars have argued
There is no straight forward definition of slung due to its socio linguistic complexity factors surrounding its use and formation. (Eble, 1996). Different definitions of slang have describe it either on a positive or negative way. (cited in Partridge 1935:2) defined slang as a highly colloquial type of language that are considered below the level of speech of those regarded to be educated. Slangs words are used with a high degree of informality and vocabulary richness. Slang is used by specific group of people characterized by the territory they come from, subculture or age. Slang comes in a variety of ways one notable ways is through the subculture. The society keeps on changing as well as slang use. Youths are mostly fond of using and creating slang, they do so to show their own identity. Slang is a linguistic variety that cannot be separated from the social surrounding of the users

Classification of slangs
Slang can be classified into two that is specific and general slang. Specific slang is a slang used by a particular members of a group with the main aim of showing respect to other members of the group. They are mainly used by people who are in the same age but identified by the factors such as social status ,age , education or similar occupation. While general slang refers to spoken words used to show lack of seriousness. It is mainly used to informally instead of clichés (Mattiello 2008:35, 39, 40).

Like any other language slang is characterized a broad range of linguistic properties including semantics, grammar and phonology . Though slang have an addition of specific type of properties known as sociological properties divided into two groups with either speaker or the hearer oriented . The four characteristics of sociological

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