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The impact of technology on the English language
Slang in America
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There is a nutria loose in the Enlgish language and it is rapidly devouring words and phrases. The corrosive usage of slang is deteriorating proper, or standard forms of English. What most consider to be a passing fad has been evident for as long as the English language. Change in the grammar and diction of a language is natural, and English is always confronted with changes. However, at some point speech mutated due to a metastratizing principle in which the most annoying words in the language colonize the host organism's brain and bully out less adaptable words which eventually fade into oblivion. It can be generalized that youths overuse slang terminology and most can vouch that annoyance is an understatement. It may have begun innocently enough with the utterance of "like", but the interjection is, like, so rapant it is like a disease. Several words and phrases are on the endangerment language list due to the atrocious attack of "like". Words and phrases such as really, including, said, the following, such as, and regarding are becomming less prominent in speech and literature. How often, when told a story, do you hear, "My teacher was like, 'Your repetative use of "like" is rather irritating?'" rather than "My teacher said, 'Your repetative use of "like" is rather irritating.'"? Past tense is now nonexistent and remaining is the pea brained characterization of any event, any shade of meaning, past, present, or future, relevent or irrelevant as "like". Often we speak fast, our mouths moving too rapidly for our brains. The result? The utterance of such words and phrases as you know, ummm, uhhh, hmm, so and eh. 'You know' has become a common phrase in the English language. Often you can readily expect a sentence to include the expression in such context as, "When I saw my essay mark I was disappointed you know? Not only did I put my effort into writing it, but time you know?" No, I apologize, I do not know. Perhaps if you were to take the time to think through what you wish to say and explain it in relative depth, I will. Now, in the vicious fight with "like" such words as umm, uhh, and hmm are beating the English language to the ground. Is it better to hear someone say "I'm like writing a like paper on the like English language" rather than "I'm.
1. The main point Kirk Johnson, writer of “Today’s Kids Are, Like, Killing the English Language” published by the New York Times, illustrates is a shift in the way society nowadays communicates and expresses themselves with the emergence of technology and other forms of media in this new era compared to the precedent and placid century.
Since the 1930’s until now, studies show that about 64% of kids and teens have been using slang terms in their school work. It is amazing what some of them are. Slang is used all of the time by almost all people and has changed a lot over the past decades. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses a child’s perspective to show how slang has changed from the 1930’s until today.
The New York Times Poetry Pairing “Sestina: Like” dives into whether or not “like” is a hindrance on conversation and social media or an innovation linguistically. A.E. Stallings’s poem “Sestina: Like” takes the stance that “like” creates a barrier against communication and discussion. While “They’re, Like, Way Ahead of the Linguistic Currrrve” by Douglas Quenqua takes a different view by explaining the nature of language to change, therefore using “like” for emphasis is simply an alteration, not an issue.
The dialogue above takes place between Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz. What is amazing is that it is Mademoiselle Reisz who hears from Robert not Edna. However, the letter from beginning to end is nothing but Edna. In my viewpoint, this letter resembles sunshine sliding into every corner of the heart of Edna as well as the readers. Since the departure of Robert, I am worried for Edna whether Robert would forget her some time later. From this dialogue, the author wanted us to know Robert was the one who is lacking bravery but absolutely not the one who is a playboy like his brother Victor. Taking this opportunity, she gave readers a hope that Robert would come back again. It also stimulates strong interest of readers to eagerly find even
A person’s vocabulary is not limited to the specific words he uses. Vocabulary extends to different phrases used. For example, adding different sentence adverbs, such as “frankly”, “in fact”, and “obviously”, to the beginning of a sentence changes the tone of the speaker’s message. “I enjoy a challenge” is a simple statement, but its tone is perceived differently when changed to “Obviously, I enjoy a challenge”. The tone is more matter-of-fact, possibly less polite, to the speaker’s audience. This case can also be seen with the overuse of the phrase “I feel like”. In Molly Worthen’s article “Stop Saying ‘I Feel Like’”, she analyzes today’s overuse of “I feel like” among college students. This phrase has the power to change a fact into an opinion. “Global warming is an issue” loses its definite meaning when it is changed to “I feel like global
...Reisz’s piano performance establishes her as an ideal Bohemian who uses music to constitute self-exploration and individuality. Nonetheless, Chopin communicates to readers that although the act of playing the piano appears generic, it is quite different, especially for anyone who notices this difference, such as Edna, who does not imagine any “pictures” while Reisz is playing as she does during the Farival Twins’ performance. She only internalizes “passions” that are “aroused within her soul” and “beat upon her splendid body.” (Chopin 44) Chopin’s use of music as a symbol allows readers to understand Edna’s slow transition from Victorian customs into a more individualistic mindset.
African American Slang has had many other names: Ebonics, Jive, Black English, and more. The Oxford English Dictionary defines slang (in reference to language) in three different ways: 1) the special vocabulary used by any set of persons of a low or disreputable character; language of a low and vulgar type 2) the special vocabulary or phraseology of a particular calling or profession; the cant or jargon of a certain class or period 3) language of a highly colloquial type, considered as below the level of standard educated speech, and consisting either of new words or of current words employed in some special sense. Whatever one’s perspective on slang, it is a natural and inevitable part of language. In this paper I will discuss examples of current slang being used that some people may not understand.
People curse to much on a daily basis.Curse words started being used in school and are used against one another, but now students talk as
In the essay “Politics and the English Language” by George Orwell, the author states his opinion of the decline of the English language. Orwell discusses both its causes and what he foresees as its consequences. He states there is less innovation and coherency, which dilutes the power of the language. Orwell felt that people were using the English language inaccurately, relying on metaphors which are meaningless and used so the writer does not have to bother with creating their phrases. Orwell asserted “It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.”
Humans domesticated dire wolves Canis lupus as early as 26,000 years ago. The real question here is why wolves. If you really think about it there are other animals out there that seem to be a much better choice for humans to utilize as hunter companions. Take the chimpanzee for instance it has hands and pose able thumbs. Seems like a chimp would make a great companion we could even teach it to use tools to aid itself in the adventures we send it on. Instead we chose to domesticate a vicious wolf that you know was not a easy venture. I think a chimp would have been a much easier task to do however we chose the wolf you ever wonder why? Well in my research I found it was a pretty easy decision but it was its shear ability to work well with
How often during one day do you hear peers using offensive terms in casual language? Today's society has gotten into the habit of using certain words as adjectives. There has been a current movement to end the use of terms related to race, gender and sexual orientation in popular culture. But there is still a large accumulation of offensive language that the public needs to be educated on.
From looking at words created in the 1980s, I have concluded that the population was looking for creativity and new ways to convey their feelings. The language reflects issues of negativity and misunderstanding happening at that time. One example is the word “twinkie.” Used to describe a male homosexual, an effeminate man, or a child regarded as an object of homosexual desire, this word became popular during a time when homosexuals were shunned and no one really understood AIDS. This term, as well as similar ones, such as usageaster and nimby, was used to describe something dangerous or bad because the general population was ill-informed.the newest synonym for goofy is nerkish.
Language as a dynamic structure is exposed to constant development, transformation and alteration. Media, society, culture, science, technology and politics are the core factors that contribute towards language evolution. Due to numerous linguistic and extra linguistic factors, newly coined units in the language are in the process of entering and influencing the English language. These new units, known as neologisms, serve as our guidance in understanding the never-ending evolution in the English language. Furthermore, neologisms ease each individual’s process of coping with changes by creating mental bridges between the old and the contemporary. The English language vocabulary is facing constant change, as neologisms enter in a blink of an eye through the media. The mass media being the major source and ground on which English neologisms are coined, plays a significant role of intermediary between the English population as active consumers and the language itself.
The use of slang words increases the chances of misinterpretation, and is better left unsaid. In today's society, nothing can get you more negative publicity or unwanted attention than the use of Sexist and Racial Language. If you want to see a real life example of this, you wouldn't have to look very far if you live in the USA. Just ask our current president Mr. Trump, who I am sure regrets some of the comments he has said in the past. Perceptions can appear to be reality to the public.
Question 1: Write your own definition of the term global language. A global language is one that is widespread internationally and used as the common one for communication between various groups and societies. It is the language that is most taught and learnt as a foreign and/ or a second language worldwide. This kind of language has a large amount of prestige, and official or special status. It is the language of politics, international business or economics, international communication, academic conferences, science, technology, tourism, media, publishing of books or journals, newspapers, and health sciences.