The Construction and Usage of Slang by Student Writers of a University Publication

Abstract

BACKGROUND. This study focused on exploring the dynamics of meaning within the context of linguistics, particularly on the role of slang in the creation, transmission, and reception of meaning within a partially differentiated social context, namely between student writers and the students who read their work. It aimed to characterize the nature of social interaction as impacted upon by slang in the printed medium. METHODOLOGY. Respondents and materials selected for data gathering were selectively and purposively selected to maximize the viability and integrity of the data. Five (5) student writers from the Manila Collegian were chosen for assessment of the writers’ viewpoints, eight (8) student non-writers uninvolved with the Manila Collegian were selected for assessment the readers’ viewpoints, and eight (8) editions of the Manila Collegian were sampled for content analysis. Writers were both individually interviewed, with some elected for a focus group discussion. All readers were individually interviewed. One writer, the editor-in- chief, was selected for a follow-up interview. RESULTS. Slang in the printed media is a necessitated though not necessary tool for the writers, who view it as potentially harmful. It is synthesized into the text by the writers as a tactic of gaining the readers’ attention and trust, and used as a counterbalance to the overall tone of the newspaper, with an overall effect of advancing the writers’ advocacy. Readers are somewhat influenced by the slang, but are not completely swayed into the writers’ stratagem, as the slang both signifies particular meanings within the text and other, particular meanings beyond the text into the common experience of writers and non-writers.