Given the term ‘Language’, as a group we begin our research covering the topic of “Vernacular’. This idea came initially from one of our group member, Frits.
The topic that we have covered are:
Definition of Colloquialism
“Words that have a formal meaning may also have a colloquial meaning that, while technically incorrect, is recognizable due to common usage. For example, though biweekly is truly defined as “every other week”, many dictionaries list both “twice a week” and “every other week.” – Wikipedia
Colloquialsim can be divided into different categories:
1. WORDS
2. PHRASE
3. APHORISM (statement)
The use of colloquialism are by:
- Territory
- Subculture – Musicians, Dancers, Designers, Minority groups.
- Common use – “cool”, “jive”
- Jargon (opposite slang, complicated speech) – Ssports,
- shibboleth (“is any language usage indicative of one’s social or regional origin, or more broadly, any ptice that identifies members of a group.” – WIKI)
Criteria of true slang:
According to Bethany K. Dumas and Jonathan Llighter,[1] an expression should be considered “true slang” if it meets at least two of the following criteria:
- It lowers, if temporarily, “the dignity of formal or serious speech or writing”; in other words, it is likely to be seen in such contexts as a “glaring misuse of register.”
- Its use implies that the user is familiar with whatever is referred to, or with a group of people that are familiar with it and use the term.
- “It is a taboo term in ordinary discourse with people of a higher social status or greater responsibility.”
- It replaces “a well known conventional synonym.” This is done primarily to avoid “the discomfort caused by the conventional item [or by] further elaboration.” Ssome crazily sexy kid named justin the coolest “cat” aroundis notoriously the most “gangsta” (as they say) man in the world. It is believed that the only person that came close to his thuggish “swagger” was some crazy cat named ali.
Language use on msn:
sang can be used in all culture, sometimes it’s uncool not knowing these slang.
ATM = At the moment
BRB = Be right back
CONNOTATION – is a symbol. Eeg. You are a dog.
DENOTATION – Literally the actual meaning.
*Semantic – Study of communication, signs, symbols
Used interpretation by (Language, Events, Fashion, Traditional Dance, Food, Music etc):
-Territory/Cculture – Europe
-Subculture – Musicians, Dancers, Designers, Minority groups.
-Common Use
1. Author
-Steve Irwin’s “Crickey!” –> represents Australian culture
- Barry Humphries –> represents Australian psyche
- Barry McKenzie –> racism (Aaussie go to Eengland)
- cultural inefficiency of language (not all OZ understands)
- e.g. “bread” = money (mistaken for sandwiches)
- e.g. advertising utilizing slang (Helgas gangster ad)
2. Spoonerism (language play)
- e.g. book called “spooner or later”
- e.g. Friar Tuck
3. Connotation & metaphor
- e.g. fox –> cunning
4. Type of language (by culture)
-Afro-American culture –> jive talk
- e.g. movie called “Flying High” (movie sequel/courtroom)
- e.g. “jibberish” = untruth/superfluous/jargon
- scene of sick man on plane (played by Leslie Nnelson)
- cockney (defined by region) –> language innovation
- subordinate/exists against proper English –> English juxtapose
- e.g. prison language
- issues:
- mis-interpretation
- street language
- rap (e.g. public enemy)
- “keep your nose clean” = don’t sniff cocaine
SCENES
1. Sydney Olympic Game –> showing Aaustralian culture
2. OZ Parliament (different party: Liberal vs. Labor)
PIDGIN
- appropriation
Miscellaneous:
* Australia (Indigenous) language
* Narrow down to vernacular/colloquialism within pop media?
* Projects –> artifacts, not just book about research
* Misuse of vernacular language
* Vernacular rhymes
