Slang, an ever-evolving facet of language, reflects cultural shifts, social identities, and generational divides. From the traditional calls of London's East End to modern, multicultural expressions, the evolution and impact of slang have profoundly shaped communication in English. Understanding its origins, functions, and the ongoing debate surrounding its use is crucial for students and language enthusiasts alike. This article explores the dynamic journey of slang and its contemporary significance.
The Evolution of Slang: From Work to World Culture
Slang has a rich history, deeply intertwined with specific communities and occupations. Originally, it often served as a specialized language among groups like market workers, carpenters, public house patrons, and farmers, fostering internal communication and identity. This historical presence underscores slang's innate human tendency to create distinct linguistic variations within groups, as noted by slang expert Tony Thorne.
How Slang Has Evolved into "Multicultural English"
In contemporary Britain, a new linguistic phenomenon is emerging: "multicultural English." Professor Paul Kerswill of Lancaster University observes this as a composite language, blending elements of Cockney, West Indian, West African, Bangladeshi, and Kuwaiti influences. This new dialect, for many young people, is becoming an ordinary way of speaking, seemingly replacing traditional Cockney. It highlights how slang continually adapts and integrates new words from diverse cultures, showcasing English's remarkable flexibility. Benjamin Zephaniah notes that many words we consider standard, like "zoo" (from France), "pyjamas" (from India), and "shampoo" (from Urdu), once entered English as foreign or informal terms.
The Impact of Slang: Appropriacy, Literacy, and Social Identity
While slang is a natural part of language, its increasing prevalence in everyday communication raises questions about its impact on appropriacy and literacy. Appropriacy, as defined by Tony Thorne, is the vital skill of using the right language variety for the right context—whether it's business jargon, formal English for exams, or slang in a school playground. However, some linguists and educators suggest that young people are losing this sense of appropriateness, leading to concerns about their ability to communicate effectively in wider, more formal settings.
The Debate on Slang's Effect on Literacy
Many educators express concerns that an over-reliance on slang can "sabotage" literacy skills. Maria Nightingale, principal of Manchester Academy, reported that students struggled to complete sentences without phrases like "innit" or "do you know what I mean." Her school's decision to ban slang led to soaring exam results, emphasizing the perceived link between formal language use and academic success. This perspective suggests that constant exposure to and use of informal language might hinder the development of standard English proficiency, which is crucial for professional and academic advancement.
Slang as a Social and Political Tool
Beyond communication, slang carries significant social, political, and emotional weight. Tony Thorne emphasizes that language isn't merely about conveying information; it actively serves to include people into a group and exclude others. This function of slang as a group identifier reinforces social bonds and creates a sense of belonging. Professor Kerswill also cautions against the "false link between bad language and bad people," stressing that different social groups speak differently, and their language relates to their ethnicity or social class.
Should Slang Be Banned? Arguments and Counterarguments
The idea of banning slang, as implemented in some schools, sparks a vigorous debate among linguists, educators, and the public. While some argue for its necessity to maintain linguistic standards, others contend that such bans are futile and against the very nature of the English language.
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Arguments Against Banning Slang:
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Impossibility: Benjamin Zephaniah argues that a ban is impossible to enforce, as there's "no official language police." Slang's fluid nature means it constantly shifts, and some terms eventually become part of everyday use.
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Flexibility of English: English is celebrated for its adaptability and ability to incorporate new words from diverse sources. Janet from York points out that this flexibility is why English is such a popular global language, unlike French, which struggles with new vocabulary adoption.
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Natural Evolution: Language is an "evolving continuum," and slang is often an "avant-garde language" that may or may not enter the mainstream, as Charles from Hereford suggests. Expecting total collapse due to slang has been a recurring fear for centuries but has not materialized.
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Social Function: Slang's role in creating group identity and social cohesion is a natural human tendency, existing in various forms across different groups, from soldiers to criminals.
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Public Exposure: Tony Thorne notes that slang hasn't become more prevalent, but rather "more public." Media, TV soaps, and rap lyrics now freely incorporate slang, a stark contrast to past eras like the punk era where newspapers avoided it.
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Concerns About Uncontrolled Slang Use:
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Professional Disadvantage: Many contributors express worry about young people being disadvantaged in professional settings if they cannot differentiate between informal slang and formal English. Tony Cooley's experience of an assistant greeting him with "Aw righ(t) ma(t)e?" highlights how inappropriate slang can deter professional interactions. Rosemary Hill, an interpreter trainer, notes a growing problem with students using street slang in formal diplomatic or business interpretations.
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International Communication: Sid Miller raises the point that "anarchy in language" could make English harder to teach to other countries, potentially isolating English speakers in global trade.
Education and Understanding: The Way Forward
Rather than banning slang, many experts advocate for education and a deeper understanding of language variation. Dan Clayton, a teacher at St Francis Xavier college, notes that A-level students now study the origins and functions of slang, analyzing its linguistic structure and its links to identity. This educational approach helps students understand how different social groups speak and how language relates to ethnicity or social class, making slang seem less alien to older generations.
Education is key to teaching the crucial skill of appropriateness. As CAM from London and Andy from Horsham emphasize, students should be taught when it's appropriate to use informal language (e.g., in informal settings) and when it's not (e.g., formal classrooms, written work, professional contexts). Benjamin Zephaniah likens slang to martial arts: "So long as you have strong foundations, you are free to improvise." This implies that a strong grasp of standard English allows for appropriate and effective use of slang.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slang
What is the primary function of slang in society?
Slang primarily functions to foster group identity, allowing individuals to include members and exclude outsiders. It also serves as a reflection of cultural shifts and a natural part of language evolution, making communication more informal and expressive within specific social circles.
How does modern slang reflect multiculturalism?
Modern slang, particularly in urban areas, is a "multicultural English" that blends linguistic elements from various ethnic groups, such as West Indian, West African, Bangladeshi, and Kuwaiti influences. This demonstrates English's capacity to absorb and integrate words from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating new composite dialects.
Why is "appropriacy" important when using slang?
Appropriacy is crucial because it refers to the ability to use the right variety of language for the right context. Knowing when to use formal English versus informal slang is essential for effective communication in different social, academic, and professional situations. Lacking this skill can lead to misunderstandings or disadvantages.
Can slang ever become standard English?
Yes, many words that are now considered standard English originally started as slang. The English language is fluid and adapts over time, absorbing new words and phrases. Examples include "zoo," "pyjamas," and "shampoo." Slang can be seen as an "avant-garde language" that may eventually become mainstream.
What are the main concerns about the increasing use of slang?
Concerns include the potential for slang to "sabotage" literacy, make young people ill-equipped for formal communication, and create a generational gap where understanding between age groups diminishes. There are also worries that an uncontrolled use of slang could hinder English's clarity in international contexts.