Abstract

Language is a carrier of culture. American slang, a special kind of language, is characterized as vivid, humorous and understandable. As a mirror of America society, American slang reflects sub-culture groups’ values and social activities objectively. The paper analyzes slang’s generation mechanism, features and its relation with mainstream culture. It deeply discusses the relationship between slang and subculture groups. The thesis examines its social function and explores the trend of the American slang. The study is aimed to eliminate the mistakes or misunderstandings so as to enhance the communicative capacity in cross-cultural communication.

Key words: American slang, subculture group, cross-culture communication

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

I. Introduction-1

II. The General Survey of American Slang-1

2.1 The origin of slang-1

2.2 The characteristics of slang-2

2.2.1 Highly colloquial-2

2.2.2 The abundance of synonyms-3

2.2.3 Metaphors in American slang-3

2.2.4 Novelty and instability of American slang-4

III. American Slang and American culture-5

3.1 Language and culture-5

3.2 Slang and American mainstream culture-5

3.3 Slang and subculture groups-6

3.3.1 Introduction of subculture and its relation with American slang-6

3.3.2 Teenager and college students group-7

3.3.3 Homosexual group-8

3.3.4 Criminal group and drug addiction group-9

3.3.5 Jazz and rap musicians-10

IV. The Future of American Slang-11

4.1 Slang in Internet lnguage and cmmercials-11

4.2 Slang and the teaching of English-12

V. Conclusion-13

References-14