Slang of the English Language: Influence on Russian Culture as a Means of Communication Among Youth

Статья принята к публикации: 27.12.2024.

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English slang is one of the subsystems of the English language. Slang words, for the most part, arise and evolve quite naturally from specific situations. The appearance of new objects, things, objects, ideas or events is accompanied by new words to explain and describe them. Moreover, each new youth generation also requires some new words to explain their different views on previously existing things. The purpose of this study is to study the semantic features of new English slang. Slang is a colloquial or familiar type of speech in a particular area. It is usually classified as a social dialect. The term "slang” usually refers to something that does not coincide with the norm of the literary language. The presence of this fact reflects, among other things, the changing cultural and historical situation, during which the generation enters the period of its youth. This is what introduced such a large number of slang words and expressions into the slang of young people at the beginning of the 21st century, reflecting various aspects of life.

Linguistics of the last twenty years has actively switched from the study of written language to the study and analysis of direct live communication. Functional varieties of language use are derivatives, secondary from the elementary and basic form -colloquial. The study of spoken language is extremely important because spoken language is the only true language and the standard for evaluating all other forms of speech.

So what is slang? Let's turn to the dictionary. Slang is a layer of vocabulary that does not coincide with the norm of the literary language, words and expressions used by a certain social group. Such a group can be either quite narrow (rap musicians, chemist scientists, pickpockets, etc.) or very wide (teenagers, fans, TV viewers). At a certain stage, some slang words and phrases pass into the general public and become understandable to everyone. At the same time, they continue to remain non-literary for quite a long time, and therefore bold, informal, and highly emotional [11, p. 27]. Slang is a social variety of language, used by a more or less limited number of people and differing in its structure (phonetics, grammar, lexical composition and semantics) from the language standard. A language standard is an exemplary, normalized language, the norms of which are perceived as correct and generally binding and which is contrasted with dialects and vernacular. Slang is implemented in one group or another. In sociolinguistic literature, a language community is usually considered as the source cell of sociolinguistic analysis; in the literature, the terms “language community’’ and “speech community” are used.

The ways and means of replenishing youth slang are very diverse. Slang does not remain constant. With the replacement of one fashionable phenomenon by another, old words are forgotten and new ones appear. This process takes place very quickly. If in any other slang a word can exist for decades, then in youth slang only over the past decade of rapid global progress an incredible number of words have appeared and gone down in history. The first reason for such a rapid emergence of new words in youth slang in the context of such a technological revolution is, of course, the rapid development of life. Slangisms seep into the language of the press very intensively. Almost all materials that deal with the lives of young people, their interests, holidays and idols contain them to a greater or lesser extent [1, p. 21].

The main reason for such a rapid emergence of new words in the speech of young people is the rapid development of life. If we look at numerous magazines covering new products on the market, we will see that more or less significant phenomena appear almost every week. In addition, there are other areas that add to the number of words related to English slang:

• 1.    Internet. The emergence of a global computer network led to the emergence of a large amount of computer vocabulary: website, chat, hacker, blog, hate, donate, gamat, etc. The Internet, its wide possibilities, rapidly developing computer technologies have always attracted young people.

• 2.    Sport. Due to the emergence of new modern sports, new vocabulary has appeared: snowboarding, diving, fitness, surfing, etc.

• 3.    Fashion. With the development of this area, many new borrowed words also appeared in our country: make-up, trend, must-have, fashionist, print, bow, etc.

• 4.    Cosmetology. In pursuit of beauty, our specialists in this field borrowed words of English origin, such as lifting, peeling, etc.

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• 5.    Economy. With the development of the economy, new borrowings also appeared: manager, distributor, businessman, price list, promoter, etc.

• 6.    Technique. In connection with the development of modern high-tech tools, the following borrowings can be noted: gadget, device, smartphone, laptop, etc.

• 7.    Mass media. Television plays a big role here; it introduces a huge amount of new borrowed vocabulary, which is very often used by young people. For example, talk shows, reality shows, prime time, mass media, casting, etc.

• 8.    Film industry, music. Foreign music and cinema, especially American ones, have gained enormous popularity among Russian youth, and this has led to the emergence and use of new English-language vocabulary, such as single, remix, remake, soundtrack, animation, sitcom, action, etc.

• 9.    Professions. Thanks to the existence of slang, today we know about the existence of such current professions as: freelancer, merchandiser, provider, realtor, handmaker, etc.

Most young people consider it appropriate and justified to use foreign words in their speech; it is so easy and convenient for them to communicate, and sometimes they cannot do without them. By using “bright” foreign words, many of us feel more mature and confident [7]. The most frequently used Anglicisms in the vocabulary of modern teenagers relate to technology (computer slang), music, the media and sports.

It is worth noting that English borrowings most often have an understandable form, since teenagers usually know the meaning of English words, which is caused by compulsory language learning at school.

Let’s take a closer look at some areas:

• -    Development of computer technologies. The Internet, its wide possibilities, and rapidly developing computer technologies have always attracted young people. In this regard, many new jargons appear. Here are some of them: virus - computer virus; inet - Internet; smile (smile) - funny faces in chats; soap - e-mail; set to off - leave a message; e-mail -send letters by e-mail, etc.; photoshop (photoshop) -photo processing; RAM - operating system; user (user) - computer user, gamer (game) - player.

• -    Modern musical culture. One of the hobbies of young people is music. It is part of the lives of young people. Modern music is a mixture of different cultures, musical styles, the result of composer experiments. Youth jargon related to the field of music contains the names of various musical styles: pop music - pop music; hard (hard) - heavy music; dream, house, drum; track - musical composition; playlist - a list of musical compositions.

In youth circles, English is considered the most “fashionable” and most promising language for learning. Young people like him. Many slang expressions have arisen that are borrowed from English, but have never been translated into Russian. The following is interesting: these jargons are understood even by those people who have never studied English in their lives, so slang words have merged into modern speech. For example: laptop (Lap-top) - laptop; fifty-fifty (fifty-fifty) - 50 to 50; respect -respect; change (change) - exchange; loser - loser; drink - drink; people (people) - people; crazy (crazy) - crazy; best, (best) - the best; love story -love story; darling - dear; weekend (weekend) -weekend; mani (money) - money.

And the writing of these slang words is free. They are written in both English and Russian. Forex-ample: partyboy - party boy; know problems (no problems) - no problems; please (please) - please; okay (ok) - good; sorry (sorry) - sorry.

Youth speech is characterized by a “telegraphic style”, which is taking root thanks to the advent of mobile phones with SMS service, email and Internet chats, and social networks. Accordingly, simple constructions are increasingly found in the language, with the help of which you can convey your thought as quickly as possible [10]. Based on this, it is impossible not to mention acronyms and abbreviations common among young people, especially actively used in Internet slang: ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing) - I’m lying on the floor laughing, BTW (by the way) - among other things, B4 (before ) - before, 4gt (forgot) - forgot, sum1 (someone) - someone, LOL (laughing out loud) - laughing out loud, Imho (in my humble opinion) - in my personal opinion, JK (just kidding) - just joke, IDKWTD (I don't know what to do - I don’t know what to do), etc.

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Borrowings from foreign languages, and in particular from English, are traditionally divided into two groups. The first group includes words borrowed due to the lack of their equivalents in the Russian language. First of all, these are words and expressions related to computer equipment and IT technologies (file - file, site - website). The names of household appliances, which at the time of their distribution in Russia belonged to the category of slang (toaster - toaster, blender - blender). This group also includes sports terms and the names of some sports (bowling, diving).

Another group includes anglicisms that have synonyms in the Russian language. Examples include words related to musical culture and the media: "hit” instead of “popular song”, “poster instead of “poster”, “security” instead of “security”.

Borrowing Anglicisms from the second group creates lexical redundancy in the Russian language and, as a rule, one of the synonyms becomes fixed in the language, while the other falls out of use. Young people more often use borrowed words in their speech, and the Russian equivalent is forgotten. Unmotivated words of English origin often become ag-nonyms, that is, they are often incomprehensible to most native speakers.

Let’s combine all the reasons for the emergence of slang and get that:

• •    Young people perceive a foreign word as more prestigious.

• •    The main thing in this linguistic phenomenon is a departure from everyday life. Relaxed youth slang seeks to escape the boring world of adults, parents, teachers, and any mentors.

• •    Youth slang is similar to its speakers; it is harsh, loud, and impudent. It is the result of a peculiar desire to remake the world in a different manner. The language here reflects the inner aspirations of young people brighter and stronger than clothes, hairstyles, or lifestyle.

Perceptions and attitudes towards English youth slang vary significantly among different age groups in Russia.

• 1)    Youth (from 14 to 25 years old)

For teenagers and young adults, slang is a natural part of everyday communication. They actively use slang expressions borrowed from the English language to express their emotions, ideas and establish social connections. Young people often perceive slang as a way to emphasize their modernization and openness to the world.

• 2)    Adults (from 26 to 45 years old)

The adult population is more reserved about the use of slang. Some of them accept slang as part of globalization and cultural exchange, while others may see it as a threat to the purity of the Russian language. In general, adults may use slang in informal settings, but less frequently than young people.

• 3)    Elderly people (over 45 years old)

Older people often have a conservative attitude towards slang. They may view it as an unnecessary foreign influence that is corroding the traditional language. This group is less likely to encounter slang in everyday life and may not understand its meaning or context.

The attitude towards English youth slang in Russia is multi-layered and depends on age, education and the degree of involvement in global culture. Understanding this diversity of perceptions helps to better understand the processes of cultural adaptation and language exchange.

Slang not only reflects social and cultural trends, but also actively participates in the formation of new social norms and cultural practices. Let's look at how slang performs various functions in society and culture.

• -    Social integration and identity

Slang promotes social integration by allowing people to feel part of a particular group or community. It also helps in identity formation, especially among young people who use slang to express their views and values.

• -    Cultural expression and creativity

Slang is a means of cultural expression that allows people to explore and experiment with language in a creative manner. This can manifest itself in music, art, literature and other forms of cultural creativity.

• -    Language economy and functionality

Slang is often used to save language by offering shorter or more efficient ways of expressing ideas. This makes communication faster and more dynamic, especially in environments where speed of information exchange is important, such as the Internet.

Thus, we can conclude that the social and cultural functions of slang are diverse and multifaceted.

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They reflect the dynamism and adaptability of language in response to changing social conditions and cultural influences. Understanding these functions helps us understand how slang influences society and culture as a whole.

Slang plays a significant role in the formation of the linguistic identity of young people. This section explores how young people's use of slang influences their perceptions of their own linguistic culture and identity.

Young people often use slang as a means of self-expression. Slang allows them to stand out, show their uniqueness and belonging to a certain social group or culture.

Slang also reflects the adaptation of young people to a globalized world. The use of English slang in Russia may be a sign that young people identify with the wider international community, which influences their linguistic identity.

Slang promotes linguistic diversity and innovation by allowing young people to experiment with language and create new expressions. This can lead to the enrichment of the language and the emergence of new forms of linguistic identity.

As a result, it should be noted that the use of slang by young people in Russia is an important factor influencing their linguistic identity. It reflects their desire for self-expression, adaptation to globalization and desire for innovation in language. These aspects are important for understanding the dynamic nature of modern linguistic identity.

The study of slang in the context of youth culture has revealed several key aspects that have a significant impact on language practice and social interactions.

• 1.    Slang as an indicator of cultural trends Slang is not just a collection of random words and expressions used by young people; it is a powerful indicator of cultural trends and social change that reflects the dynamics of modern society and serves as a mirror where both current and emerging cultural flows are reflected. Studying slang as an indicator of cultural trends allows us to better understand how language interacts with culture and society. Slang not only reflects the current state of culture, but can also foreshadowfuture changes, making it an important subject for study in the context of the social sciences.

• 2.    Slang and social identity

• 3.    Slang as a tool of self-expression Slang allows young people to express their emotions, attitudes and worldviews. This means of self-expression reflects the desire for uniqueness and at the same time promotes assimilation within social groups.

• 4.    4. Slang and language innovations Slang is the engine of linguistic innovation, introducing new words and expressions into the language. This contributes to the development and enrichment of the language, opening up new opportunities for language experimentation.

• 5.    5. Slang in the digital age

The use of slang by young people contributes to the formation and expression of social identity. Slang expressions serve as markers of belonging to certain social groups and subcultures, strengthening intra-group solidarity.

In the digital age, slang is spreading at an incredible rate, accelerating its evolution and increasing its influence on linguistic change and cultural processes.

Slang has a significant impact on the linguistic identity of young people, reflecting their desire for selfexpression and adaptation to a globalized world. The study of slang and its use in everyday life allows us to better understand the processes of cultural adaptation and language exchange, which is an important contribution to linguistic and cultural studies.

Slang, like any linguistic phenomenon, has its positive and negative sides. While it can serve as a means of self-expression and a tool for social belonging, its impact on culture is not always favorable. The influence of slang on standard language can be both positive and negative. On the one han d, slang enriches the language, introducing novelty and diversity into it. On the other hand, excessive use of slang can lead to a simplification of the language and loss of expressiveness. This fact indicates the need to find a balance between preserving the standard language and recognizing the contribution of slang to its development. Language changes are inevitable, but it is important to maintain language standards to ensure understanding and effective communication between different populations. Research in linguistics and sociolinguistics can help better understand the influence of

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slang on standard language and find ways to integrate it without compromising linguistic integrity.

Social exclusion, reinforced by the influence of slang, represents an interesting intersection of linguistic and social phenomena. Slang, as a form of self-expression, can be a means of creating in-group identity, but at the same time it can contribute to the social exclusion of those who do not share or understand these informal language codes.

The influence of slang on social exclusion:

• 1.    Language barriers: Slang can create barriers between different groups of people, especially when it is used as a way to distinguish insiders from outsiders. This can lead to the exclusion of those who do not speak slang or do not understand its nuances.

• 2.    Cultural alienation: Slang is often associated with certain cultural or social groups. People who do not belong to these groups may feel alienated and excluded from social interactions.

• 3.    Stereotypes and prejudices: Slang can reinforce stereotypes when associated with certain social or ethnic groups, which can lead to discrimination and social exclusion based on language.

Ways to overcome social exclusion associated with slang:

• •    Education and Awareness: Raising awareness of the meaning and use of slang can help reduce language barriers and promote inclusion.

• •    Cultural exchange: Promoting cultural exchange and dialogue between different groups can reduce alienation and promote mutual understanding.

• •    Language adaptation: Accepting slang in a wider context, while maintaining respect for the standard language, can help integrate different linguistic forms without exception [14].

These strategies can help mitigate the negative impact of slang on social exclusion, helping to create a more inclusive and connected society.

Stereotypes and prejudices, reinforced by the influence of slang, can lead to the social exclusion of certain groups or individuals. Slang, as a specific language code, is often associated with certain social, cultural or age groups. When slang is used to express group membership, it can simultaneously act as a means of exclusion for those who are not part of that group.

The limitation of the expressive capabilities of language under the influence of slang is an interesting topic. On the one hand, slang can enrich the language by adding new words and expressions that reflect modern realities and cultural trends. On the other hand, excessive use of slang can lead to a narrowing of lexical diversity, when people begin to prefer slang expressions to standard words and phrases.

The impact of slang on education is a multi-faceted topic. On the one hand, slang can reflect students' creativity and their ability for linguistic innovation. On the other hand, it can become an obstacle to formal learning, especially if students prefer to use slang instead of standard literary language.

The negative impact of slang on education can manifest itself in several aspects:

• -    Reduced Academic Seriousness: Students who frequently use slang may be taken less seriously, which can affect their academic reputation and grades.

• -    Difficulty in understanding: Slang can create barriers to understanding educational material when used in academic texts or lectures.

• -    Expressive Limitations: Excessive use of slang can limit students’ ability to use a wider and more varied vocabulary.

• -    Problems with Formal Writing: Slang can interfere with the development of formal writing skills needed for writing essays, research papers, and other academic assignments.

• -    Language isolation: Slang can contribute to language isolation between groups of students, making communication and collaboration difficult.

To mitigate the negative impact of slang on education, educational institutions can implement programs that teach students the difference between formal and informal language and how to use them correctly in appropriate contexts. It is also important to stimulate interest in enriching vocabulary and developing language skills through a variety of learning materials and activities.

Although slang is an important part of linguistic diversity and cultural expression, its negative impact on culture should not be ignored. It is important to strike a balance between preserving linguistic diversity and maintaining language standards to ensure understanding and communication in various areas of society.

The study of the influence of English youth slang on the culture of Russian youth made it possible

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to identify a number of key aspects of cultural exchange and language adaptation. English slang, penetrating through the media, the Internet and pop culture, has become an integral part of the communicative practice of Russian youth. This phenomenon reflects globalization and universalization of cultural trends, but also raises the question of preserving national linguistic identity.

Examples from everyday life show that slang is used as a tool to express one's own individuality and membership in a particular social group. However, its spread can affect the purity of the language and cause resistance among supporters of traditional linguistic culture.

In conclusion, it should be noted that English youth slang as a phenomenon of communication among Russian youth deserves further attention from linguists and cultural scientists. It is necessary to continue monitoring its development and impact on the Russian linguistic environment in order to understand how the language preferences and identity of future generations will develop in an ever-changing world.