Diction Choices – Expressions of Language

Language is a fluid, ever-changing aspect of our lives. New discoveries are made as technology advances, and as people take note of the changing world around them, so too must the language change. In the 1950s, words like Internet, email, cell phone, and texting were not a part of the everyday language. Likewise, slang terms once widely used, such as neato, groovy, and tubular in the 1980s, have fallen out of everyday use and vocabulary.

Think about the words you speak every day. Think about the language of your parents or grandparents. Do you ever make fun of their slang? What are your favorite slang words from the past, and what are some slang words that you and your peers use today? What are the definitions of those words, and how are they used? Post your responses to these questions in the discussions area. Then, return to the topic several times over the next few days to read your coursemates' posts. Reply to at least two of them, making sure to ask questions and encourage further conversation. Remember, this is a school assignment, so make sure to use school-appropriate language.