1) According to Walt Whitman, slag is particularly American since the population of America is so diverse. Slang can originate from a mix of words in different languages. For example, spanglish is not a real language but is frequently used, so it is slang. This is even more true today, since social media has created another, even shorter, language. Slang is literally slang for "shortened language."
2) The first paragraph lays the foundation for the rest of the essay sinceWhitman discusses the different things that creat a language. Languages are formed out of necessity and constantly adapt with the times. Often, languages have roots in other dialects; for example, the romance languages derive from Latin. Since there are no boundaries to say what is right and wrong when speaking, new languages are formed. Slang is an example of a new language, except it is influenced by several languages instead of just one.
3) In paragraph two, Whitman defines his concept of slang. He describes it as "lawless," meaning that it is not used in formal situations and has no rules, guidelines, or boundaries. Modern day slang does not follow the actual definitions of the word, such as "lit," so it is lawless. He also states that it is "below all words and sentences," showing that words and sentences are over, or divided, to form slang. Words and sentences are broken down to the simplified form we call slang. In modern language words are shorted to allow the speaker to make their point quicker, such as telephone shortened to phone, and television to TV. Whitman uses the words "perennial rankness" to show that the frequency of the use of slang makes it one of the highest used languages. It is able to maintain this rank by constantly adapting to the world, such as modern day terms used on the internet, like "omg" and "idk."
4) The first metaphor in paragraph two is, "like one of Shakespeare's clowns." This is related to slang since slang seems wrong and comedic to the upper class, but is actually a witty for of speaking that is used to outdo people of a higher rank. The second metaphor is about the "fermentation and eructation" of language. This relates to slang since language is used flippantly and made up on the spot in order to suit one's needs, but few words actually stick and last. The first metaphor is more effective than the second since the second one is overly complicated and the reaction to slang is lost due to having to think deeply about what the metaphor is saying.
5) Whitman simplifies paragraph three by using examples of slang and direct language rather than overly complex metaphors.
6) Whitman is able to relate slang to mythology by showing the connections during the development of both. Words are created on the spot in order to describe and form physical things and are used to open doors to the mind. These new words are created for the purpose of sharing information and telling stories, like mythology.
7) In paragraphs six through ten, Whitman uses evidence to prove one main point with several sub-points. His main point is that slang has been used throughout history through nicknames. He uses examples such as names, titles, descriptions, food, and locations that are all referred to by nicknames. These points help support his main argument.
8) In paragraph eleven, Whitman is very sarcastic in his opinion of American humorists. I believe that this helps strengthen his essay since he is observing what other people think, rather than ranting about his own personal views on slang.
9) The tone of this essay informative and full of awe. In the last paragraph, Whitman uses the metaphor of the english language being like layers of rock. Like the layers of rock the roots of the english language go deep and each new form of language builds upon the layers below it. This is where Whitman gives the reader the visual of the true depth of the english language and all that supports it, which reveals his sense of awe in regards to the extensive and unique diction used in the english language. The metaphor of the layers helps the reader to feel the same way that Whitman does.
10) The other writings of Walt Whitman agree with what he states within this essay. His style is similar in the sense that it is profound but in a simplistic way. In his poem, Mannahatta, he uses simple and common language to convey his message without seeming generic and common. His writing is meaningful without being over complicated. While he does leave room for deeper interpretation, he keeps things simple so that nothing is too hard to make sense of and allows one to think without becoming overwhelmed.
11) Whitman's definition of slang is still relatable to today's time. While modern slang is much different than what Whitman experienced, his definition is timeless since slang is always present. In today's society it is not uncommon to hear someone to describe something as "mad ___." Mad literally means angry or agitated, but the land form means more along the lines of really. "Mad funny" and "Mad loud" do not make any sense when the words are used properly, but since they are made up of slang, it means "really funny" and "really loud."
12) I do not agree with Tom Dalzell's take on modern slang. Slang is not used to rebel or defy a larger power, it is simply shorthand communication. Choices of young generations differ greatly from older generations and are often frowned upon by the elders. However, when the older generations were young, their parents and elders most likely said similar things to them. Slang has been used since the beginning of time. The words "hip" and "groovy" are not used anymore, but they are still slang and have been replaced with new words like "lit" and "mad ___." Slang is not a rebellious choice, it is just something that develops over time. To me, slang is like a long term running joke that spreads not just through friends, but entire generations. It is hard to describe the true meanings of slang words to people who do not understand. Tom Dalzell acts as though his generation never used slang, and that modern generations and their independent decisions are something that should be regulated and stopped. He makes it sound as though young people need to experience the world through a filter of proper language. His take on slang has no facts to back up what he is saying and he sounds like a cranky old man who is scared of change that he is not willing to understand.
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