Slang
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Understanding Slang: Definitions, Usage, and Sociolinguistic Impact
Defining Slang: Challenges and Perspectives
The term "slang" has long been a subject of debate among linguists, with no universally accepted definition. Historically, slang has been described as the "poetry of everyday life," vividly expressing people's feelings and experiences1. However, this poetic view is not widely accepted in academic circles. The Oxford English Dictionary defines slang as a "special vocabulary used by any set of persons of a low or disreputable character; language of a low and vulgar type," though the true origin of the word remains unclear2. This lack of a concrete definition makes it challenging for linguists to study slang systematically.
The Nature and Function of Slang
Slang is a dynamic and flexible subset of language, often used to create a sense of identity and belonging within specific social or professional groups6. It is characterized by its vivid and colorful expressions, which can be humorous, informal, or even taboo. Slang serves multiple purposes: it reinforces social identity, provides a means of informal communication, and can act as a countercultural tool against established norms6. This dynamic nature makes slang a fascinating subject for lexicologists, sociolinguists, and psychologists alike.
Slang in Social Media and Youth Culture
The use of slang is particularly prevalent among young people, who often employ it to navigate social dynamics and express creativity. In Indonesian, for example, slang (known as "bahasa gaul") is widely used by the youth on social media platforms5. Studies have shown that slang on social media is highly diverse and creative, including forms such as acronyms, clipping, and imitative expressions5. This constant evolution of slang reflects the social dynamism and receptiveness to change among young people.
Computational Approaches to Slang
The flexible nature of slang presents challenges for natural language processing (NLP) systems. Recent research has focused on developing computational frameworks to model and generate slang, incorporating syntactic and contextual knowledge4. These frameworks use probabilistic inference and neural contrastive learning to predict the historical emergence of slang and its usage patterns. Such advancements in NLP not only improve the detection and identification of slang but also open up new possibilities for automated interpretation of informal language4 10.
Sociolinguistic Implications of Slang
Slang plays a significant role in the democratization of language, often displacing more formal literary vocabulary8. It reflects changes in the socio-political landscape and serves as a marker of social identity. Despite its informal and sometimes rebellious nature, slang is an important aspect of language that deserves serious academic attention. It challenges traditional linguistic definitions and remains a vibrant and self-inventive channel of communication7 9.
Conclusion
Slang is a multifaceted and ever-evolving aspect of language that serves various social, psychological, and linguistic functions. While its definition remains elusive, its impact on communication and social identity is undeniable. As both a subject of academic study and a practical challenge for NLP systems, slang continues to intrigue and inspire researchers across multiple disciplines.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
IS SLANG A WORD FOR LINGUISTS
SLANG term is often used in literature to describe a specific type of expression, but its definition is often unclear and unreliable.
Highly CitedA Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English:
This dictionary offers valuable data for students of various sciences, addressing philological, psychological, and social issues in a comprehensive manner.
Highly CitedA Computational Framework for Slang Generation
Our framework effectively generates slang by combining probabilistic inference and neural contrastive learning, outperforming state-of-the-art models and better predicting historical slang usage from 1960s to 2000s.
An Analysis Of Slang Words Used In Social Media
Slang on social media is diverse, creative, and dynamic, including Fresh, Creative, Flippant, Imitative, Acronyms, and Clipping.
Reviews : Slang and Sociability: In-Group Language among College Students. By Connie Eble. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1996. xi + 228
Slang among college students serves as a social identity tool and informal communication tool, with a large corpus of slang in the United States.
LIMITS OF THE CONCEPT "SLANG" IN SCIENCE
Slangisms are a significant layer of national language, displacing general literary vocabulary due to their expressiveness and democratization of society, but their terminological definition remains unresolved.
A Critical Study of Slang
Slangs are often viewed as social criticism, rebellious and immoral, often influenced by human psyche and parameters of society.
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