The Power of Teenage Slang

Teenage slang has been on the rise very rapidly. The use of words such as LOL (Laugh Out Loud) and BRB (Be Right Back) are seen in many teenage messages nowadays.

Surprisingly, this slang has moved to more than just emails and text messages. They are appearing in schoolwork! While I am one of those who actually apply the teenage slang into my text messages, I never actually realised that people were using them in schoolwork. Worse still, it is not intentional. Teenage slang has become part of our everyday language.

Before we go into the problems of such a language, we must first look at why teenagers actually use such terms.

Teenagers think that using slang actually makes them cooler, not to mention that the slang actually sounds more fun. Words such "BRB" basically sums up what one needs to know in 3 letters. Rather than typing out the whole phrase of "Be Right Back", it is so much more convenient to use the slang version of the phrase. In fact, this would even save some space in a text message. Since one text message only accommodates 160 characters, using the term "BRB" would reduce character count, and allow more space for other words.

Influence from friends is also a major contributor to the constant rise of the slang. The slang spreads like wildfire. When one uses it enough, friends would start to use it as well. A sort of human chain reaction occurs, explaining why slang is so common these days.

The major concern over this new phenomenon must be the effect it has on the use of good English language. As stated just now, if teenagers start to apply it in their schoolwork, what is to become of proper language? How are teenagers going to draft formal letters in the future during work?

Most kids picked up the slang from around 8 to 10 years old, and since they would also be learning their grammar usage during this time, the teenage slang would seriously interfere with the very foundations of their English language!

For parents do not use the teenage slang, there may be a communication breakdown between the parent and the teenager. Some parents are smart. They understand that they are unable to change the way teenagers speak to each other, and therefore learn the teenage slang. These parents will have a stronger bond with their kids as they talk more frequently. However, parents who are stubborn and refuse to understand what their kid's language will ultimately destroy communication between the parent and the child. Teenage communication is a powerful skill to parents. Parents who master it will understand their child much better.

While it will be difficult to eradicate the teenage slang completely, it is essential to understand that teenage slang is not all bad. With sufficient control and restrain, the convenience of the teenage slang can go with the use of proper English. It is just a matter of knowing when to use what.

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Source: The Secret Language of Teens

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=2820582&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Guan Lin