Journal Entry #2

For this journal entry i chose a paragraph from Michael Adam’s book Slang: The people’s Poetry. In this section Adam’s juxtaposes three similar terms. Adam’s examines the difference between supposed synonyms: slang, cant/argot, and jargon. Adam’s explains where each term derived from and quotes Julie Coleman’s book History of Cant and Slang Dictionaries to help with definitions. Adams then continues by discussing how all these terms are both similar and different, yet the definitions all depends on who you are asking and who uses it. He also investiages the use of slang for division of groups.

Doubting:

While Adams makes a fair argument that definition is in the eye of the beholder, doesn’t that make his idea relevant only to him, the beholder? Although his definitions are solid, his argument may be bias. It seems rather counterintuitive to make an argument about opinion through mostly his own opinion. He states that all of theses terms apply ” depending on who uses the word, in what situation, [and] for what reasons” (Adams 9). I feel as though that statement in itself is contradicting his argument in a sense. does that make him right because he is the one using these words for his own situation and reasoning? Or is it because that is HIS definition, and therefore he seems correct? Adams then talks about how published books define slang as a separating factor between groups. Adams makes a fair argument against their claims, yet his position doesn’t seem very well supported. His arguments seem to mainly derive from his own thoughts and opinions.

Believing:

Adams makes a rather convincing argument about the definition and usage of slang, cant/argot, and jargon.  Adams starts out by giving a brief synapse to derivation of the words. This sets up a lead into his next point about where and how the definitions came to be for these words. Although Adam’s argument has a good portion of opinion, it is not all his opinion. He takes some of these definitions from Julie Coleman. I think he tries to use ample definitions for the use of discrediting them. although the definitions seem solid, Adams wishes to prove that these definitions only hold some much truth due to variables. Theses variables are the use situation and reasoning (Adams 9). When discussing the use of slang as a dividing point between groups, Adams make the point that no one has to drawn the line between those who belong and those who don’t– it just appears”(Adams 9). Although i pointed out that much of his argument is based on his own thoughts, his thoughts are very compelling and are seen in actual everyday life. His thoughts may not be supported, but they are well thought out.

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Journal Entry 1

Hello world!