Naomi Clark
J. Lindberg
English 1101
22 August 2015
Slang in America The essay Slang in America, written by the early 1800s American poet named Walt Whitman, was an interesting essay to read. It really made me stretch my mind as to try to comprehend and understand what the 1800s poet was trying to say. Throughout his work he was trying to portray the distinctive American language; which introduces new words and the unique qualities of American life. Whitman believed that our language; the way we talk and write were the most inestimable possession we owned. Slang is and was used in many different ways like; communicating and poems being only two examples. Many of our words were originated from slang use. Often times, although many people were not and still are not a fan of slang language being that in some cases they find it offensive, Tom Dalzell found slang to be wittier and clever than the standard American English. With saying that, if you were to ask me, I believe that Walt Whitman would have agreed with his …show more content…
I don’t believe Whitman would have been a fan. Reason being, in the last paragraph of the essay Whitman states, “And slang not only bring the first feeders of it, but is afterward the start of fancy, imagination and humor, breathing into its nostrils the way of life.” Texting slang as in LOL, IDK, SMH, etc. In my opinion, takes away the meaning of slang that Whitman was describing. Because through texting there isn’t that actual connection/communication with people verse being face to face. Yes, you could say “LOL” but you couldn’t actually feel the realness of what they are saying/doing as in comparison if you were there to actually see and hear. So with saying that I believe as far as texting goes I believe it takes away the ‘life” Whitman was talking
J. Lindberg
English 1101
22 August 2015
Slang in America The essay Slang in America, written by the early 1800s American poet named Walt Whitman, was an interesting essay to read. It really made me stretch my mind as to try to comprehend and understand what the 1800s poet was trying to say. Throughout his work he was trying to portray the distinctive American language; which introduces new words and the unique qualities of American life. Whitman believed that our language; the way we talk and write were the most inestimable possession we owned. Slang is and was used in many different ways like; communicating and poems being only two examples. Many of our words were originated from slang use. Often times, although many people were not and still are not a fan of slang language being that in some cases they find it offensive, Tom Dalzell found slang to be wittier and clever than the standard American English. With saying that, if you were to ask me, I believe that Walt Whitman would have agreed with his …show more content…
I don’t believe Whitman would have been a fan. Reason being, in the last paragraph of the essay Whitman states, “And slang not only bring the first feeders of it, but is afterward the start of fancy, imagination and humor, breathing into its nostrils the way of life.” Texting slang as in LOL, IDK, SMH, etc. In my opinion, takes away the meaning of slang that Whitman was describing. Because through texting there isn’t that actual connection/communication with people verse being face to face. Yes, you could say “LOL” but you couldn’t actually feel the realness of what they are saying/doing as in comparison if you were there to actually see and hear. So with saying that I believe as far as texting goes I believe it takes away the ‘life” Whitman was talking