Why is it assumed that if a person speaks slang...?

Question

They lack intelligence? Is this because some simply just don't understand slang? Slave traders would also belittle the African languages they coudn't learn also.

I am an educator who sometimes speaks slang in my personal life, but am professional in my career of business dealings. Why should I be pre-judged either way?

Joachim, had you correctly read and comprehended my question you would have realized that I am NOT blaming Slavery, but am making a point of being misunderstood for any reason does not warrant dismissal on grounds of someone's wrong perception.

Answer 1

This really bothers me too. If someone can speak slang, especially if they are using variations in the English language that come from learning English as a second language or as a dialect (African American vernacular English, for example), that person often understands not only "standard English" but also the nuances and rules of speaking English differently with their family and friends. In my opinion, this is a lot like understanding and speaking two closely related languages. It will only increase my opinion of a person's intelligence if they can use the language well in both ways.

This is not to suggest that there aren't some people who use slang and don't really understand how to speak and and write in English well. But I find those people the exception rather than the rule, no more common than the people who don't use slang or speak in a dialect and still struggle with our confusing language.

Answer 2

My man! I'm a white guy and for years worked for a tobacco company selling a popular brand of menthol cigarettes. The area where I worked was heavily populated by blacks and I have to say my days in that job were nothing but sunshine because slang is all any of us talked. Yet, I learned more about human nature, street wisdom, and myself than I did in a four year structured educational environment at a major Texas university. I enjoyed those people and even though now retired, I still visit with some of them from time to time. Speaking slang, may or may not be an indication of education, but is is never an indication of ignorance.

Answer 3

Everyone speaks slang. The British and the Americans can speak English but could find moments when they don't understand one another, accents aside.

Answer 4

I think we all speak slang. I am from India and supposed to be a real homely girl and now after reading and watching movies I am always swearing and using slang. Happens to us. We need to curb on them though!

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the reality is this: Most of us judge a person by their first impression, made within a minute's time or less. The use of slang indicates a lack of education or manners. Yes, intelligence is not measured by the use of slang or improper grammar skills.

Answer 6

I agree with you i use slang all the time but as soon as someone hears u say it they say u lack this and u lack that because they dont know what it means

Answer 7

slang speech is a great tool to reach out to our youngsters today and we should all be up to date with it. we will be able to communicate with our children and know what is going on in their lives.

Tom T hit the nail right on the head if i do say so myself!!!

you go boy!!!!!

Answer 8

Please ! ! Let's allow people to keep blaming slavery for current ignorance or as an excuse not to be educated.Slang and speaking improperly are not always the same things. Being from Brooklyn, NY city, I don't pronounce things the same as others. BUT, I am saying the same word.

Answer 9

When people speak slang, it is assumed that they have not learned how to speak intelligently and therefore they have not had much schooling.

Answer 10

They're mad because they don't understand it