4.2 Slanguage

SLANGUAGE

Almost everyone uses slang on some occasions.Slang introduces many new words into the language by combining old words into new meanings or sometimes even an entirely new word.

1. Do you know what the following words mean, or how they would be used?

1. Slang words, after a while, can be accepted as ‘regular’ words. The following are now accepted into normal language: what do they mean?

1. You have been asked to help compile items for a new dictionary of slang. Think of eight slang words for ‘regular’ (accepted) words, and provide a short definition for each word.

1. Write your ‘new’ slang onto strips of paper and display them on the walls of the classroom. How much fun can you have using your innovative language? Try it out and see what happens …

TABOO LANGUAGE

Socially unacceptable language

This is the use of expletives / use of “filthy” language.

How would you explain the meaning of “filthy” language to someone who did not understand the term?

In all societies there are certain words that are considered taboo. Taboo is a Tongan word which means: acts that are forbidden or to be avoided , or reference to these acts. Some words are taboo because they refer to religious customs.

In our culture, taboo words or socially unacceptable language can be defined as

1. using the Lord’s name in vain;
2. calling people by the names of private body parts;
3. referring to body parts in a crude fashion;
4. talking ‘dirty’;
5. …. (can you add to this list?) ….

Discussion

• Who would use this type of language?
• When would this type of language be used?
• Why would people speak this way?
• Where / In which situations would this type of language be used?

OPINIONS, CONFLICT AND COMPROMISE

• Read the statements below. You may agree with some of them and disagree with others.
• Refer to the grid to show your opinion and how strong it is: write down the number next to each statement.

You will realise that these are very emotive issues and everybody will have an opinion based on their beliefs.

RESPECT

• What will happen if you voice your opinion to your partner who believes differently to you?

Your partner cannot be persuaded to change his/her mind. What do you do?

• How would you try to persuade your partner to see things your way?

What is conflict?

What is compromise?

• Role-play a scene demonstrating how a difference in opinion can lead to CONFLICT.
• Now – demonstrate how you can both part happily after COMPROMISING.

• Together with your partner, write a short scene, in dialogue format, demonstrating a difference in opinion ending in compromise.

So often – when you are ‘difficult’ (according to your parents), they wonder if their children were not swopped in the hospital after birth … !But how about this? An untitled poem from a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon book conveys the message that the writer’s parents are aliens from outer space and living on earth in disguise!