slang

American University Slang

_____ 1. In this activity you will be listening to a short presentation by your professor on American slang. While you listen, take notes. A brief outline has been provided below:

I. What is slang?

II. Why is slang used?

III. Why is it difficult for learners of a second language?

_____ 2. Now, we will look at a transcript based on the lecture you have just heard and an outline of the key points. How do your notes compare? What did you leave out? What should you have included?Now, you will plan to collect information about American university slang from some Willamette students. Using the data collection form, contact at least three different Willamette students (preferably students you have not talked with before). Remember to follow the Tips for Interviewing and Tips for Tape Recording that we have previously used Remember to tape record the interactions.

_____ 3. When you have finished taping the interviews, listen to the tape on your own and check carefully to make sure you have recorded the information on the data collection chart.

_____ 4. Listen to the tape again and write down anything you notice about how the speaker responded to your questions.

_____ 5. When you come to class, bring the data collection chart. You will be working in groups to compare the information you have collected. During this discussion, you can use phrases such as:

"I interviewed ______________ (name), a female/male Willamette student.
She/he told me that the slang terms she/he used most often is

_____________. This term means _______________ and it is appropriate

to use it ___________________________. "

[This is only an example to help you get started. Please speak naturally.]

_____ 6. Once you have finished discussing these terms, select someone from your group to report to the rest of the class three of the slang terms your group discussed. We will add these to our class web page.