Slang in America

1. Slang particularly American because America is so diverse that slang has been developed from many different cultures and regions. This is still the case in twenty-first-century America. Most other languages have their own slang but it is not quite as common and quickly developing. Due to social media slang has had a major growth in recent years. There are so many new words that are created via social media and have become an important element in our culture. Older generations see modern slang as sounding uneducated but the word "hip" is just as grammatically incorrect as the word "lit".

2. Whitman's opening paragraph lays the foundation for his ideas on slang because he says that language is universal. Language has no time, no race, no true origin and no possible limits. Slang is the constant new development of the limitless language. It is the creation of easier, convenient, and more modern ways of communication.

3. Whitman defines slang as “the lawless germinal element" because it is a language an it language has no limits but slang is an undeveloped, raw, and simple.  Since slang is so raw it is below "all words and sentences". Once slang is developed and made more complex it can form words, sentences, and even poetry. This is why it "proves a certain perennial rankness" because it is the foundation of all other language. However it is still not considered grammatically incorrect there for is in a sense "protestantism in speech." A great example of this is the internet language because it is basic and simple but also boundless and broad. It has created new dialect that is used in everyday conversation but it is still not proper speech. 

4. In paragraph two Whitman uses two metaphors. The first is saying that Language is a powerful monarch and slang is one of Shakespeare's clowns. Shakespeare's clowns use wit to out do the monarchs. Slang uses simplicity and modernity which make them more appealing word choices in conversation. The other metaphor is that of slang as fermentation or eructation. Slang is created suddenly and becomes popular and common very quickly. However some slang dies out but other slang will have permanent meaning.

5. In the third paragraph Whitman "makes it plainer" by using direct examples of slang rather than complicated metaphors he used in paragraph two. 

6. The relationship between slang and mythology is that slang is created because a word with a certain meaning does not yet exist. These words are often needed to describe a specific image or inspiration of mythology.

7. The evidence Whitman presents illustrates the single point that slang often comes in the form of nicknames. It gives a sense of familiarity toward the thing that is being nicknamed. It also gives the sense of identity to specific regions that each have different slang for the same thing. 

8. Whitman implies the opinion that American humorists are boring. This strengthens his essay because he says that the wit of humor, genius, and poetry used by laborers is more fun than that of the  American humorists. This supports the idea that simple slang is an essential part of language and communication in America.

9. The overall tone of the essay is defense, positive, and logical. The final paragraph contributes to the tone because he continues to defend the importance of slang. He does this through metaphors evolution and the human body, which apply to his tone of logic.

10. This essay reflects Whitman's poetry because a major accept of his style is his slang. He uses slang to relate to his readers and to speak in the familiar language they use. 

11. An example of slang as “an attempt of common humanity to escape from bald literalism, and express itself illimitably, which in highest walks produces poets and poems . . .” is in Langston Hughes' poem "Mother to Son". The use of slang is effective because it makes the words seem like they are really being said. Using everyday language makes it more relatable and it gives it simplicity so that it can be understood. 

12. I both agree and disagree with Dalzell's argument. I agree that slang is an emblem of identity. Each generation has its own type of slang and it is their own unifying language. I disagree with his statements about slang being a "defiant gesture of resistance" and about the regulation and restriction of slang. Slang is a means of expression and it is an identifying quality of each generation. I think that it is unnecessary for slang to be restricted because each young generation has its own slang including the generation of the oppressors. The words will come and go but it does not need to be limited. It is a unifying part the generations of our society.