Regarding the use of slang

Question

I know and appreciate the fact that we don't want to use slang on this site, but I think that it's important to be aware of it, and at times even to refer to it. All languages are dynamic. You have to keep an open ear. Today's slang could be tomorrow's accepted speech. I can remember when "disrespect"was not used as a verb. Just saying....

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Answer 1

Aaaaaaaaaah! The Evian babies. The cutest commercial ever.

Answer 2

Honestly, I believe that slang is important to learn. I live in Mexico, and I have been trying to learn "proper Spanish". So one day, I was outside, and my neighbor started chatting me up. I understood close to nothing because she was using so much colloquial speech... >.<

Everyone should at least understand slang when it is spoken. It is used A LOT!

Answer 3

We should at least be able to recognize it.

But I agree with opponents that it's better to not USE it ourselves since it may confuse those that aren't yet fluent in Spanish (read: the majority of us). It's often bad grammar and thus contradicts what we have learned here, or it may teach us bad habits.

So let's wait until it has indeed become "accepted speech" before tainting the forums with it. At least make sure that it can be distinguished from (attempted) correct Spanish if you really can't do without the use of slang.

Good point. I believe if you can recognize and understand it you then have the power to restate what you've heard in its proper form. Language is dynamic, and therefore a struggle of sorts which in turn carries an implicit duty for each of us. - LaloLoco, Jul 23, 2011

Answer 4

That's a good point, LaloLoco.

Like it or not, slang is a part of everyday speech!! In order to be fluent in a language, you can't just know the "proper" vocabulary and grammar. You have to understand the slang, too.

[By the way, that's the cutest baby ever!]

;] - LaloLoco, Jul 23, 2011