Abstract:
People create distinctive groups based on language variation, which is inextricably
linked to context. In this connexion, students form their own communities through using
slang . The current study revolves around students’ slang variables across level,
specialism, and gender as well as the attitudes towards the variety through targeting first
and second year Master’s students of English at Mostaganem University. Therefore, the
primary contribution of this research is to provide insight into students’ construction of
their communities and their the linguistic characteristics within the Mostaganem
University context. By following community of practice paradigm, a combination of
qualitative and quantitative methods are used in this study. Data was collected from
Master’s students using a variety of research tools, including surveys, semi-structured
interviews, and observation. The purpose of observation is to document the differences in
slang variables across levels and specialism . Semi-structured interviews are conducted to
know about gender- based differences in terms of slang features and frequency. A
questionnaire is designed to to withdraw Master’s students attitudes towards the use of
slang. The findings show that master’s students do not form distinctive communities of
practice through using similar slang variables across levels and specialties. It is also shown
that male female students use different slang variables and males outscore females in the
use of slang, which is thought by most of them to be a means of creativity.
