Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Social Constructionist Perspective

In accordance to the reading, I believe that we "build worlds" through communication just by speaking. I have always thought that what we say is makes us who we are. Many things can be learned through listening to someone speak: education level, where they live, even the era in which they were raised. Speaking is more than just saying words; it is an act that shapes our lives and others around us.
A real world example (though I am not entirely sure it is correct), one that I still do not fully understand, is the construction of "slang" and the cultural use of it. My boyfriend still has to explain slang words to me when I hear them on the radio. I do not understand why we have it, what good it is, and if it is so awesome, then why isn't it used worldwide?

I do not believe slang contributes to my happiness or success. Every generation has their own slang, but by knowing what those words mean, people form a bond and are able to relate to one another very easily. Unfortunately for me, I cannot nor do I wish to know slang. Other than the occasional "awesome" and "cool," very few slang words will be spoken. Of course, mocking is entirely different... :)

1 comment:

  1. Hello!

    I found this thought of yours to be quite interesting to myself, "and if it is so awesome, then why isn't it used worldwide?"
    I understand what you mean here, i am from Puerto Rico and my first language is spanish. We use phrases or words which when translated into english would make no sense at all. And the same goes for english slang words, i often find myself asking my girlfriend what does certain slang words mean. Why were they used? and what was the point of it? On occasion i find myself watching something in english and them blurting out something in spanish. When asked what it means, it really makes no sense at all. I find slang in other languages never translates into english very well. Slang words in english are definitely not known worldwide due to the language barrier. As for spanish words, they will definitely never be understood in english.

    Here is an example, The word huevos translates into eggs. However, sometimes when i am watching a boxing match or a sports game i get so worked up and start saying HUEVOS HUEVOS HUEVOS and is like cursing in spanish. When translated into english, eggs is not a curse word at all. So I would consider this to be slang which is not worldwide known.

    I thank you very much on bringing up this point :)

    -Water Polo Man!

    ReplyDelete