Blog #9 Unit 1: Slang and Language Change

Hello, this is Yuma.

1． This lecture talking about slang in any languages. In this lecture, slang is informal language and used in overall world. The function of slang is prevents understanding outside of the group and gives distinct identity.

2． ガラケー＝Galapagos Cellphone= Japanese cellphone

The word of “Galapagos” means Galapagos Islands, which famous for the animals that evolved in original way because it is isolated by other lands.  Galapagos Cellphone represents Japanese cellphone evolved in original way than other countries’ cellphone such as “ワンセグ”, “赤外線通信”, and “電子マネー”.

メアド= Mail address

      The word of”メアド” is abbreviated the word of mail address which combined of each word’s first and second letters. The first letter of “メ” is abbreviated “mail” and the second and third letter of “アド” is abbreviated “address”.

カラオケ=空オーケストラ= Karaoke

      The word of “カラオケ” is abbreviated Japanese slang of “空オーケストラ” means “singing without playing instruments”.

3． I think these Japanese slangs are represents involved the group of young people. They think share the slang as commonsense of youth is determine they are not like older people, because people think young people could keep up with the trend like slang. On the other hand, people have an image of older people as couldn’t keep up with any trends. This is a reason why people use slangs in Japan.