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Slang
I do not believe the use of slang is due to laziness. To me, it is just a different register, a different way to say things. It could be associated with poorly educated people or gangs, but it is widely used. I also use quite a lot of slang in Spanish and English. But when I am speaking English, I have the problem that sometimes I do not realize I am using slang and probably the context is not the right one to use it. This happens because I learned English in the pub, which is good to speak but does not provide the richest vocabulary. After many years form that pub times I can hardly understand slang when, for instance, I watch a film.
In my opinion, the use of slang with a non-native speaker has to do with its level of English. If you see the other person is following you, it is ok. If the other person is lost, you have to adapt yourself if you want to be understood.
I wish I could adapt my English to different registers, to differ between polite to common. Obviously, it is not the same a chat in a pub, than an office meeting where slang should be avoided.
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1 Reply
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@MonicaS In my professional opinion, one of the best methods for learning real English is to learn it in the pub! (I’m not even kidding!) However, I get that it obviously isn’t a complete education and of course you have some holes!
I think it’s also a very sensitive observation to make about adapting your vocabulary to help out the listener – I’m surprised how many people just don’t get that!
I think register is a challenge for many of you. I would like to prepare a lesson on this soon. In the meanwhile, you might find this lesson useful: https://hub.englishdigitalacademy.com/how-and-why-to-be-polite-and-diplomatic-in-english-at-work/
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