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An analysis of the special language used by modern British youth as a reflection of the new social attitudes created by WWII. Data on specific usage come from a study of magazines written for teenagers, from interviews, as well as from related research. The first chapter (What revolution?) focuses on post-war events, such as technological and demographic change, which made possible the youth subculture with its characteristically rebellious attitudes toward older generations and traditional values. The second chapter (Attitudes to words) looks at the class-based language theory of Basil Bernstein; and characterizes differences between British and American usage. The third chapter (Pop music as a cultural carrier) differentiates between rock music and earlier forms of popular music; and relates rock to the hedonistic ideals of the youth movement; and characterizes the influence of the Beatles and the messages of magazines like Rolling Stone, Melody Maker, and New Musical Express. Chapter four (The lexicographer's Waterloo) discusses youthful attitudes toward traditional language and dictionaries, and estimates the problem of inclusiveness facing "dictionary-makers." Chpater five (Wrong-footing the enemy — illustrates linguistic "take-over" in 21 common English terms. (6) The Influence of Real and Imaginary blacks) shows the change in British attitudes toward blacks as a result of the post-war immigration of West Indians. Black influence upon the youth subculture language is assessed. The last chapter (Youth and the law) defines terms related to sex, drugs, and violence used in the English of the culture. |
