Abstract
Modern American slang is a non-written language innovation and the crystal of history and culture. Slang is an objective existence which is often used by many people, and has become an integral component of the language and an important communication tool. But it often leaves a vulgar, frivolous impression to people. In fact, as a communication tool for people, it can not be regarded as good or bad. American slang develops rapidly, which has a strong cultural flavor as a special carrier.
This paper elaborates the reason of American slang existence from the angles of history, society, psychology and personality of Americans. On the other hand, this paper analyzes the existence value of American slang from the aspects of refraction function and usage function. The slang refracts the discrepancy of social identity, the trend of oral English and the life of ordinary people. At the same time, it refracts a kind of attitude by which the people treat the reality. Its usage function includes overcoming the communicative barrier and provoking the vigor of language.
Abstract........................................................1
摘要............................................................II
Introduction....................................................1
I. The Definition of Slang......................................3
II. The Origin of Slang.........................................4
A. History.....................................................4
B. Society.....................................................5
C. Psychology..................................................6
D. National Spirit and Character Features of Americans.........6
E. New Things and New Concepts.................................7
III. The Function of Slang.....................................7
A. Refraction..................................................7
1. Fact.…………………......................................7
1.1. The Discrepancy of Identity..........................8
1.2. The Trend of Oral English............................8
1.3. The Ordinary Life....................................9
2. Attitude.................................................9
B. Usage.....................................................10
1. Overcoming the CommunicationalBarrier....................10
2. Provoking the Vigor of Language..........................11
2.1. Written Language.....................................12
2.2. Oral Language...........................................13
Conclusion......................................................15
Acknowledgements................................................16
Bibliography....................................................17