A Sociolinguistic Investigation of Students’ Slang Variables and the Attitude towards its Use: the case of English language Master’s students community at Mostaganem University

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.