Slang Article Comparisons

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11426737

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8388545.stm


These two articles, both written for the BBC, highlight the issues surrounding slang in our English Language. The first article, 'Teen slang: What's, like, so wrong with like?' focuses on the positives of using slang and the second, 'Mind your slanguage' focuses on how using it is badly affecting us.

In the first article, it explains how actress Emma Thompson gets annoyed by the fact teenagers are using slang and unnecessary words such as 'like' and 'innit' in speech. She feels as if it makes us sound 'sloppy' and unintelligent. However, Oxford Dictionary editor John Ayto says '"We all use fillers because we can't keep up highly-monitored, highly-grammatical language all the time. We all have to pause and think." This means that it is impossible for us to be constantly thinking and speaking in Received Pronunciation (RP) because it's just not practical. The example 'like' can be used in many different contexts too. For example, we use it when indicating a metaphor, exaggeration, as well as just filling a sentence while we think of what to say next. Then followed by "We have always used words to plug gaps or make sentences run smoothly", he indicates that they've been around for years, even in Anglo-Saxon times.

The second article portrays a different perspective on the issue. It highlights how the change in language to develop slang is a negative thing and should be 'banned in schools.' The fact that teens are using it so much in their language is causing them to be 'ill-equipped to communicate in the wider world.' The general consensus from schools, especially one in Manchester, is that slang should be banned. Results of this have proven to increase exam results, causing other colleges and schools to take the same actions.  It is a widespread opinion that "Whether we like it or not, the way we talk affects the way people see us and this can have very serious consequences."

From these two articles, it can be said that there are a variation of opinions on the use of slang by teenagers in the UK. It is seen to show culture, understanding and diversity in communities of people, because as long as you understand it, what's wrong with it? However, it it also thought to be ruining our sophisticated English language with words such as 'innit' and 'sick', where a lot of standard words have be broadened over time to mean more than what they once did.