By Rebecca Akinsola

Language is known as the different methods or mediums of communication; it could be verbal and non-verbal, verbal involves oral communication while non-verbal refers to the use of such medium as gestures, icons, contacts and so on to communicate. Communication is paramount to human existence as it sustains their relationships. Language however has its own corruption which may be attributed to the non-existence of static rules of creation. It could also be because any given individual or group of people can create language(s) to use as a medium of conversation as long as they understand one another. 

This brings us to the concept of slang, a form of language corruption; its usage and effect on our modern day society. Slang is a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are highly informal and are more common in speaking than writing. Nigeria, a highly moralized part of Africa, has tried to curb the use of slang by encouraging people to speak healthy words as many of the slangs in our society are vulgar and demoralizing. Slangs can now be seen as the language of the youth as it thrives among them; the increase in the use of colloquial language cannot make us shy away from its disadvantages and its effect on the formal language. The first record of slang in the English language can  be traced to the 16th century following which period it has been on the increase.

Diving into the effect of slang on individuals and society. Slangs have a way of destroying the conventional vocabularies of any language. Using the English language as an example, as a second user of the language, our combinations of words into appropriate sounds are not perfectly aligned; hence our constant use of English language helps us familiarize ourselves with the vocabulary and usage of the borrowed language. Also, slangs are mostly foul languages and they are used to either destroy the image of the one being spoken about or referred to. Otherwise, they may be used to paint unrealistic pictures. “Mad man” is just a slang that attaches no serious meaning among the youth while within the spheres of the elders it is a lot to worry about. 

Finally, as stated earlier, Africans and Nigerians precisely are keen on high moral standards and upbringing. The use of slang has increased moral indecency – the choice of slang by many today only portrays their indiscipline and lack of good communication skills. Besides, it has also dwindled the level or rate of good communication among young adults. It is therefore wise to say that slangs have done more harm than good to our communication skills and interpersonal relationship. While we tend to be creative with our style of language, there is the need to create checks and balances for our utterances.