When you hear someone speak slang/broken English

[swkstudent]

Do you assume that they're ignorant? Or do you associate that with a certain socioeconomic or educational status? We were talking about this in my Linguistics class, how some people shift from speaking improper English in certain settings, to proper in other settings.

[falcon9]

Do you assume that they're ignorant? Or do you associate that with a certain socioeconomic or educational status? We were talking about this in my Linguistics class, how some people shift from speaking improper English in certain settings, to proper in other settings.

It depends upon the individual.  Either that is the only way they communicate or, they are adjusting the way they speak/write to suit their immediate environment.  The only way to discern any differences is to observe their language usage in different environments.

[swkstudent]

Do you assume that they're ignorant? Or do you associate that with a certain socioeconomic or educational status? We were talking about this in my Linguistics class, how some people shift from speaking improper English in certain settings, to proper in other settings.

It depends upon the individual.  Either that is the only way they communicate or, they are adjusting the way they speak/write to suit their immediate environment.  The only way to discern any differences is to observe their language usage in different environments.

I agree that's what most of my classmates were saying.

[falcon9]

Do you assume that they're ignorant? Or do you associate that with a certain socioeconomic or educational status? We were talking about this in my Linguistics class, how some people shift from speaking improper English in certain settings, to proper in other settings.

It depends upon the individual.  Either that is the only way they communicate or, they are adjusting the way they speak/write to suit their immediate environment.  The only way to discern any differences is to observe their language usage in different environments.

I agree that's what most of my classmates were saying.

What did the remaining classmates think about it?

[swkstudent]

Do you assume that they're ignorant? Or do you associate that with a certain socioeconomic or educational status? We were talking about this in my Linguistics class, how some people shift from speaking improper English in certain settings, to proper in other settings.

It depends upon the individual.  Either that is the only way they communicate or, they are adjusting the way they speak/write to suit their immediate environment.  The only way to discern any differences is to observe their language usage in different environments.

I agree that's what most of my classmates were saying.

What did the remaining classmates think about it?

oh didn't really have much to say..one guy said that he does assume they're uneducated or "slow" as he put it.

[falcon9]

oh didn't really have much to say..one guy said that he does assume they're uneducated or "slow" as he put it.

As per Blake Shelton's "new-clur miss-isle technician" with a southern accent who, when hungry, pressed the red button marked "lunch"?

[message_for_jen]

like Obama? going between good grammar and articulation to poor grammar and slang only serves to serve an individual looking to gain something off a person or group of people.

[mtmailey]

maybe he is trying to speak the language of those in hip hop even though they are ignorant fools and wacks!!
HIP HOP IS DEAD HIP HOP BEEN DEAD.their albums are not selling that much.

[diala84]

Personally, I will change my speech slightly depending on environment. Some places it is inappropriate to swear or say certain things while another situation it might be more appropriate. Also when it comes to internet speech sometimes people use shorthand to write. For the most part I think most people do this to a small degree but depending on how much their environment changes it could be more extreme. I think I usually associate it to group mentality and who a person is hanging out with. When I am with friends from a higher education level or socioeconomic status I tend to use larger words or discuss more theoretical concepts where as when I am with someone less educated and sometimes poorer I may only talk mainly in very concrete concepts. I also wont cuss or swear if children or certain friends or family members are present. But to each their own.   

[noirlupe]

it also depends on ethnicity.  I have to ask my husband and sister in law what does that mean all the time because I am married to someone from a different ethnic background from me.

[sigmapi1501]

Any good salesman or leader will change his vernacular to those around him.  It's a technique to make them trust you and feel comfort.

[RUPPRECHTS10]

I think when someone speak in improper English they come off as being "slow" when usually it is just the way they were taught. just because they cannot speak in a proper sentence, does not mean they can't do math. I think it is usually just the subculture they grew up in. It's kinda like with small children. If they can say something to their mom and get the response they want, without correction, they will continue to use this "word" to communicate their needs. In theory, the reason people do not change the way they speak is because there is no one constantly telling them different.

[dreamyxo]

Depends on the audience.  If I am going on a job interview of course I want to put my best foot forward and sound as educated and capable as I can.  If I am around friends and family it is less formal and I don't care about speaking "proper English" because friends and family aren't judging me or grading me on communication ability.  They know what I am saying.   It's also laziness.  Sure I do know the correct textbook English to use but sometimes taking the time to speak or write proper English takes longer. 

[tzs]

No, I do not, Its simply a translation Issue. If you don't understand what they are saying to you, then you need to learn something new, broaden your horizons. Think of how hard they are trying to communicate with you!

[footemama]

Most of the time with any broken English I assume that English is their second language. There are many ethnicities that will leave out words when they speak when they learn English and as I listen I will mentally substitute the missing words pretty much automatically. But with "native" speakers I'm kind of snobby in that if you are using broken English or excessive slang to where I can't understand what you are saying I'm going to assume either a) You are uneducated or b) You are too lazy to bother to speak properly.

I'm very tolerant of 2nd language speakers (moreso with adults who didn't go to school in this country) and pretty intolerant of native speakers who speak similarly. Poor or rich everyone went to school and while you were there they taught you to speak properly.