Use of slang by Bahraini Youth
Contents
2.3 characteristics of Slang. 3
2.4 classification of slang. 4
2.5 Rise in the use of slang by Bahraini youth. 4
Chapter 2
Literature review
2.1 Definition of slang
Slang is not considered as a word that is used in Standard English. They are consists of non-standard words that are becoming part of normal daily conversation. Mish (2003), in his research, stated that the meaning of slang is very simple as it consists of informal words that are part of the vocabulary, and they contain coinages, extravagant, forces, and facetious figures which are related to speech. Another study was conducted by Fasola (2012), in which it was mentioned that slang is the nonstandard words which are used as words of expressions during the conversation. It is important here to understand that the slang words are not used in speech or making any formal conversations. The studies were done in this regard also stated that the slang words are considered as expressions, but they also contain a high level of informality, familiarity, and richness related to vocabulary. Slangs are used by people in their daily life, but it is becoming highly common in youth, which is important to understand (Frazer and Eble, 2012).
Identifying the criteria for slang is highly essential, and in this respect, Eriksen (2010) cited that there are four different types of slangs criteria such as:
- The presence of slang in a conversation is marked relatively low, and it also impacts the dignity of making a formal speech
- It is used in a situation where the user of slang is familiar with the people with whom he is making conversation with
- The use of slang is also considered as taboo, and it does not seem viable to use this slang by the person having high social status and greater responsibility
- The use of slang is becoming common, and they are used in replacement of well-known synonyms (Gore, 2017)
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It was getting important to learn about the reasons for using slang by Bahraini youth. Dalzell (2007), in his research, stated that there are various different reasons for using slang such as:
- Bahraini youth use slang in high spirits
- It is considered as an exercise which is done in humor
- Use of slang is done to startle
- Slang helps in making language
- The use of slang by Bahraini youth is done just to show that the person belongs to a certain school (Gore, 2017)
2.2 The history of slang
It was becoming highly important to learn about the use of slang, and the research was conducted BY Hanggoro (2011), in this regard in which he stated that the slang had been introduced in the early 16th century. In the initial years, slang has been used by the people for the purpose of making an informal statement or joke. At that time, people wanted to have another language besides English, and for this purpose, the slangs were introduced. As per the slang history and it was divided into five different decades of slang history (Hall and La France, 2012).
2.3 characteristics of Slang
The use of slang is becoming highly common, and it is also becoming important to understand that there are some important characteristics of using slang. Abadi (2009), in his research, stated that the slangs are used and also they have different characteristics such as:
Creativity – Slangs are creative which means that the slang language is clever and is also used by people having talent
Flippant – This defines that the slang language also has words which are having no context but still they are used in making conversations
Fresh – The slang language is fresh, and it also contains various familiar words and up to date words as it is most commonly used by youngsters
The importance of using slang is becoming understood, and it is witnessed that the use of slang has become common and its use is considered as short, easier and making conversation in relax way as stated by Burdova (2009) that the use of slang also has different forms which are based on its usage (Hall and La France, 2012).
2.4 classification of slang
There are different non-standard varieties of slang which are used in daily language, as stated by Burdova (2009), the classification in this regard are as follows:
Specific slang – This is considered as a language that is used by the members of some specific group, and the use of slang shows some solidarity with the group of people. The use of slang in this category is used for marking identity, social status, age and education
General slang – The use of slang in this category did to avoid various conventions. The use of slang is done in order to change the level of formality. In using slang, it’s important to realize that some of the words can be specific and general and this depends upon their context (Kuethe, Burke and Partridge, 2012)
2.5 Rise in the use of slang by Bahraini youth
The use of slang is not only becoming popular, but it is also changing the way communication has been made, especially over the internet.Burdova (2009) stated that the use of slang is becoming common, and it is not only changing in English but is also used in other languages as well. The world is not only accepting the slang but is also embracing its use. The youth is using slangs more often, and the use of internet slangs is becoming common. The use of slang is not only common amongst Bahraini youngsters, and they are using by professionals as well as they also appreciate the abbreviations used in language. The most commonly used slang in a professional manner across Bahrain consists of words like ASAP (as soon as possible), FYI (for your information), and IMO (in my opinion) (Lamerts, 2011).
There are many popular elements which are used by the Bahraini youth in their daily life. The use of LOL (laugh(ing) out loud) is the most commonly used slang. The use of slang amongst youngsters of Bahrain has been reflected in their personal and professional life as they are using slangs not only in their institutes, but their texting language also contains slangs. The internet slang words are also becoming common in Bahrain and are not becoming part of formal communication patterns as well (Spitzer, 2013).
There is an extensive list of using slang by the Bahraini youngsters, and the most integral part of using slang is that the terms are constantly evolving. In the initial years, when slang language was not much popular in Bahrain, then the use of terms like LOL or OMG was not considered good, and people were also not accepting the use of language. The introduction of new slang amongst the Bahraini youngsters is “BAE,” and because it is a new term, the society is not becoming very accepting of the term (Spitzer, 2013).
While analyzing the impact of slang over youth, it is witnessed that even pop stars like Miley Cyrus are also making songs using the slangs, which is again having an impact over the youth of Bahrain as they are getting highly impacted by the western pop culture and trends as well. Hall and La France (2012) It is witnessed that the use of slang is becoming extensively common over social media platforms such as #TBH is the most used by Bahraini youth, and it is abbreviated as Throwback Thursday. This is a popular trend which is followed and is also highly acceptable by the youngsters living in Bahrain. These trends are also becoming part of their daily routine and lifestyles
Frazer and Eble (2012). While looking at the popularity f slangs in Bahrain and amongst youngsters, now the businesses are also using slangs just to target youth. The increasing use of slang is understood by the research was conducted, which stated that the extensive use of slang is having bad implications over society. The youngsters in Bahrain are using slang extensively, and this is becoming part of their lifestyle, but this factor is creating professional issues for them. The corporate culture does not only prohibit the use of slang, but it is also considered unprofessional as well. The businesses or managements believe that due to an increase in slang culture in Bahrain, youngsters are facing difficulties while making communication in a formal manner. The use of slang during office hours is not only having a bad impact on communication, but it is also going to depict the non-serious attitude of the individual. Management in Bahrain encouraged youth that they should communicate effectively without using slang in corporate culture.
The observations have been made, which stated that Youth of Bahrain is also using slang is making effective written communication with management. Gore (2017), in their research, has given an example, For Instance, the use of slang in drafting formal email is not only going to have a bad impact on the reader, but it is also going to convey a message that the person making communication is immature. This issue in Bahrain needs immediate attention, and it is becoming increasingly important to tell the youth that they should avoid using slang as he is going to have a bad impact on their personalities and professional career.
References
Frazer, T. and Eble, C. (2012). Slang and Sociability: In-Group Language among College Students. Language, 73(4), p.860.
Gore, W. (2017). Notes on Slang. Modern Language Notes, 11(7), p.193.
Hall, J. and La France, B. (2012). How Context Matters. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 32(2), pp.162-180.
Kuethe, J., Burke, W. and Partridge, E. (2012). The Literature of Slang. Modern Language Notes, 55(6), p.473.
Lamerts, J. (2011). SLANG AND TABOOS. Language Learning, 5(1-2), pp.56-60.
Spitzer, L. (2013). Slang. Modern Language Notes, 67(2), p.99.