WR122 paper, using Jeffersons “Declaration of Independence” as a model-RJThe Declaration of LanguageWhen, in the course of human language, it becomes necessary for people tocreate or redefine, words or phrases to express an object or an action; and to assume,among society, the acceptance and usage of these words and their definitions, in onesown language, or idiolect. A decent respect to the opinions of mankind, requires thatAmericans should recognize slang adopted into language.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that language is expression of thought,in the form of speech or written symbols, that have agreed-upon meanings. That, manylarge speaking languages contain dialects, or other versions of languages within acommunity, that are different in some aspects of grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary. That, because language is a form of ones own ideas and expression, everyone possesseshis or her own individual language, or idiolect. That, not only does perception changelanguage, but that language changes perception. That, through the course of history,idiolects have shaped dialects, which have shaped language, which in turn, have shapedconcepts. Conservatives, indeed, will dictate that languages will follow a narrow pathtoward a standard language.
And accordingly, expression will follow the rules andguidelines that limit thought, rather than the ability to rethink old vocabulary and enrichnew ones. When we speak, write, learn, and think in a slowly evolving vocabulary, whichdoes not adapt to the more rapid introduction of cultures, concepts, fashion, andtechnology, we must add new meaning to conventional vocabulary. Such has been thelanguage of Conservative American English speakers and writers, who have discouragedthe use of creative language and the use of dialects and idiolects. Many individuals havenot noticed that new vocabulary is, at many times, adopted into ones language. A largenumber of slang words and phrases have been considered standard in todays daily speech.
To prove this, let us claim a few of the many slang terms that have been adopted. Slang has been used, where other words seemed unfit to describe a thought orfeeling:“Awesome. ”“Radical. ”“Cool. ”“Far Out”New words that were created to describe new technology:A “cellular” or mobile telephone.
The “internet” or the computer and modem accessed information highway. “Electronic mail” or computer generated mail. A “beeper” or an electronic paging device. Metaphors, similes, and creativeness also create slang:A coward is a “chicken. ”Money is “bread. ”A “ride” is a car.
One thousand dollars is a “grand. ”People eat “grub. ”Smoking marijuana is the same thing as smoking “weed” or “pot. ”A toilet is the “John. ”A toilet is the “can. ”A toilet is the “hole.
”A “Cop” is policeman. A “Pig” is also a policeman. If something is “bad” it is really “good. ”Those who are “plastered” are drunk. Those who are “hammered” are drunk.
People who are driving too close behind another car are “tailgating. ”Slang, also evolves in the form of phrases:A person “Kicking Back,” is relaxing. “Cut to the chase” or get to the point. Accept the consequences, or “face the music. ” “Two cents worth,” or an opinion.
“The whole nine yards” or everything. In the English language, we have petitioned for the use of slang in language. Butour creative language has been considered meaningless to conservatives of standardEnglish. Conservatives, who themselves use vocabulary that was at one time consideredslang, are unfit to argue against it. Every language around the world adopts slang that, at one point, was considerednonstandard to the majority of the people.
Slang is used to provide new shades ofmeaning. Slang is shared by introducing new concepts, just as new objects and ideas areshared. All vocabulary establishes its meaning through the acceptance of its concept intoones language. We must continue to express thoughts through ones choice oflanguage, and accept them, as we would accept the importance of originality and creativitywithin individuals.
We, therefore, the representatives of a linguistic society, do, in the Name, and byauthority of speakers and writers of English, declare that slang refreshes language withnew concepts, ideas, and interest; that slang allows language to evolve with society; thatthere are no determining factors in declaring a “true” language; and, that language containsvocabulary where its meanings are changed and new ones are introduced. Put your paper here.
