CC BY
3УДК 81 Sokova D., Sabi U.
Sokova D.
Turan University (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Sabi U.
Turan University (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
FEATURES OF COLLOQUIAL STYLE AND SLANG
Аннотация: the article introduces colloquial style and slang as key elements of informal communication. Colloquial style is described as relaxed, everyday language, while slang consists of creative, group-specific terms. Understanding both enhances our appreciation of language's adaptability in casual settings.
The article emphasizes the role of colloquial style and slang in language development, making communication more dynamic and expressive in informal contexts.
Ключевые слова: colloquial style, slang, informal language, everyday communication, creative expressions, group identity, simple vocabulary, contractions, ellipsis, idiomatic expressions, informal syntax, rapid evolution, vocabulary development, social groups, playfulness, internet slang, language adaptation, influence on grammar, popular phrases, cultural norms.
Language is a dynamic and versatile tool that adapts to the various situations and environments in which it is used. Colloquial style and slang are integral components of everyday communication, often contrasting with formal and academic language. While colloquial style refers to the informal yet standard language used in casual conversation, slang involves more creative and often evolving expressions specific to particular social groups or communities. Understanding the features of both colloquial style and slang allows us to appreciate the depth and flexibility of language in informal settings.
This article will explore the differences between colloquial style and slang, their defining features, and examples of their practical usage.
Colloquial Style: Definition and Features.
Colloquial style refers to informal language used in everyday conversation. Unlike formal language, it is less rigid and more relaxed, reflecting the natural flow of speech. It is characterized by the following features:
- Simple Vocabulary: Colloquial speech tends to favor shorter, more common words over complex or specialized vocabulary. For instance, people are more likely to say "kid" instead of "child" in a casual conversation.
-Contractions and Ellipsis: Contractions (e.g., "don't" for "do not") and ellipsis (the omission of words) are typical in colloquial speech. For example, "Gonna" instead of "Going to" or "Wanna" instead of "Want to."
-Use of Idioms: Idiomatic expressions, such as "hit the nail on the head" or "spill the beans," are often used in colloquial language. These phrases acolor and expressiveness to communication.
-Pronouns and Conjunctions: Colloquial speech uses personal pronouns like "I," "you," "we" more frequently, reflecting a conversational tone. Conjunctions like "and" or "but" are also commonly used to link thoughts in a fluid, natural way.
-Informal Syntax: Sentences in colloquial style tend to be shorter and may not follow strict grammatical rules. For example, "She's great, isn't she?" is more common in spoken language than the more formal "She is very talented, is she not?"
Colloquial style is widely understood and used by native speakers in their daily interactions. It bridges the gap between standard language and the more playful elements of slang.
Slang: Definition and Features.
Slang is a more informal and often subversive form of language, frequently used within specific social groups to express solidarity or identity. It evolves quickly
and can vary significantly depending on age, region, or subculture. Key features of slang include:
-Creative Word Usage: Slang often involves re-purposing existing words or creating entirely new expressions. For example, "lit" to describe something exciting or fun, or "flex" to refer to showing off.
-Rapid Evolution: Unlike colloquial style, slang changes at a much faster pace. What is popular slang today may be outdated in a few years. Terms like "YOLO" (You Only Live Once) became trendy for a while but have since fallen out of common usage.
-Group Identity: Slang helps create a sense of belonging within specific groups. Teenagers, for instance, might use slang terms unique to their generation as a way of distinguishing themselves from older generations.
-Playfulness and Irony: Many slang terms are born out of playfulness or irony. For example, calling something "sick" to mean it's cool, or "bad" to signify something good.
Differences Between Colloquial Style and Slang.
While both colloquial style and slang serve as informal types of communication, they differ in their level of informality, usage, and lifespan:
-Usage Context: Colloquial style is generally used by a wider range of people in everyday speech, whereas slang is more limited to specific social groups or communities.
-Formality: Colloquial speech is informal but still widely understood and acceptable in most casual settings. Slang, on the other hand, can be considered highly informal and sometimes inappropriate in certain contexts.
-Longevity: Colloquial phrases tend to remain stable over time, while slang terms are often short-lived and subject to rapid changes in meaning.
-Comprehension: Colloquial expressions are usually understandable by most speakers of the language. In contrast, slang might only be comprehensible to those within the social group using it.
Practical Usage of Colloquial Style and Slang.
Practicing the use of colloquial style and slang can enhance communication in informal settings. Below are examples of how each can be integrated into everyday conversations:
Colloquial Style Example: "Hey, how's it going? I've been pretty busy lately, but I'm doing alright. Just gotta finish up some work, you know?" In this example, the casual tone, contractions, and informal syntax reflect natural, colloquial speech.
Slang Example: "That party was lit! Everyone was flexing their new outfits, and it was so sick!" Here, slang terms like "lit" (exciting), "flexing" (showing off), and "sick" (cool) show the speaker's connection to a specific social group or context.
Evolution of Language: How Colloquial Style and Slang Influence Language.
Language is a living organism that constantly changes and adapts to new conditions. Colloquial style and slang play an important role in this evolution, shaping not only everyday speech but also influencing literary and academic norms. Although formal language is considered the "standard," informal speech and slang exert a powerful influence on its development by introducing new words, expressions, and grammatical structures.
Influence on Vocabulary. Colloquial style and slang often become sources of new words, which gradually transition from informal speech into more formal contexts. A good example is the word "google" (as a verb), which started as colloquial and slang but is now used even in scientific and academic texts. In this way, slang and colloquial language enrich the lexicon with new terms and phrases, making it more adaptive to contemporary culture and technology.
Simplification of Grammar. Colloquial speech is often characterized by simplified grammar, which over time starts to permeate written forms of language. Examples include the use of contractions (e.g., "can't" instead of "cannot") and the reordering of sentence structure for ease of understanding. These changes make the language more flexible, allowing it to quickly respond to shifts in society and culture.
Spread of New Phrases and Expressions. Slang frequently becomes the source of popular phrases that are later adopted by a wider audience. For example, the word "cringe" originated in internet communities but is now widely used to describe something awkward or embarrassing. These phrases help people express new ideas or emotions that previously lacked adequate representation in the language.
Influence on Cultural Norms. Colloquial speech and slang also play a key role in reflecting and shaping cultural norms and identity. Certain words and expressions can become symbols of social groups, such as youth slang or professional jargon. This contributes to linguistic diversity and the language's ability to mirror the multifaceted nature of modern culture.
The Internet and Accelerated Language Evolution. The rise of the internet and social media has significantly accelerated the process of slang and colloquial speech evolution. New terms and expressions can emerge in just a few days and quickly gain popularity. This also increases the pace at which language adapts to new conditions, highlighting the importance of colloquial style and slang in the digital age.
Examples of Colloquial Style.
Colloquial style frequently appears in everyday conversations when people express their thoughts naturally and casually without adhering to strict grammatical norms.
-Situation: Meeting friends
"How's it going?"
"Yeah, everything's fine, just swamped with work, you know."
Here, we sthe use of casual phrases typical of informal communication: "fine," "swamped with work," and "you know." These expressions create a relaxed and personal atmosphere in the conversation.
-Situation: Talking about plans
"What are you up to today?"
"Oh, just thinking about going to the movies or maybe staying in."
The colloquial words "what are you up to" and the phrase "oh, just" set an informal tone, making the conversation light and casual.
-Situation: Everyday talk
"Oh, come on, don't worry about it."
This is a typical example of simplified, emotional speech characteristic of colloquial style.
Examples of Slang
Slang is typically used by certain social groups or in informal online communities, and it may not be understood by people outside those groups.
-Situation: Talking about success
"You really killed it with that speech yesterday, everyone was impressed."
"Thanks, just wanted to flex a little."
In this situation, "flex" (from the English term meaning to show off) is slang used to describe showing skills or achievements.
-Situation: Social media chat
"This meme is top-notch, I literally LOL'd!"
"Yeah, can't stop laughing!"
In this example, "top-notch" means something excellent or remarkable, and "LOL'd" and "laughing" are slang terms that express laughter and reaction to humor.
Combining Colloquial Style and Slang
Colloquial style and slang often intersect in everyday speech, creating dynamic and lively dialogues.
-Situation: Discussing fashion
"Did you sher new kicks? They're legit!"
"Yeah, total style, and not crazy expensive."
In this example, "kicks" (slang for shoes) is used along with the colloquial phrase "not crazy expensive," making the conversation both informal and modern.
-Situation: Planning a meet-up
"So, we'll meet by the subway after work, cool?"
"Cool, I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Are we chilling?"
Here, the colloquial word "so" for brevity and the slang term "chilling" (meaning to relax) show how both informal and slang language can blend in casual conversation.
Language evolution is an unstoppable process, and colloquial style and slang play a crucial role in it. They not only expand the vocabulary and simplify grammar but also reflect the social, cultural, and technological changes in society. Together, they create a dynamic and flexible foundation for future generations of speakers, making the language better suited to the changing conditions of life.
Colloquial style and slang are essential aspects of informal communication, each serving different functions in everyday language. While colloquial style reflects a more relaxed form of standard language, slang introduces creativity and identity into conversation. Understanding the differences and features of both helps speakers navigate various social contexts more effectively. By using these informal styles appropriately, one can enhance their ability to connect with others in casual and often playful ways. Language, after all, is not just about rules — it's also about expression and belonging.
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