Slang in America Questions p.724

Slang in America Questions p. 724 #1-12
1) According to Whitman, slang is particularly American because the United States inherited their language from the Old World's Greek and Latin, and they have taken it and made it their own through the use of slang. Americans reshaped language by taking words that meant one thing and connotating it to mean another and for that connotation to stick throughout the new generations of Americans. I think this is still the case in 21st century America because we as a culture are still adding many more connotations to the English language and are reshaping it with each incoming generation.
2) This paragraph lays the foundation for the following ideas because it focuses on how the English language is a collection of all the things that make up a culture, from the race to the dialect. The English language tells of the passing of time and is reborn with every new term created. This opens up the discussion for looking at language as more than just a way of communication and as a living thing that beats at the heart of America.
3) Slang is considered "lawless" because it does not follow the proper rules of the English language that is taught from grammar books and English teachers. Language is spoken by those that wish to break free from those restrictions and create their own inside meanings to the world around them. Slang is also "rank" because it can mean something unpleasant within the young generation. For example, the word "side hoe" is used to describe the woman that a man uses to cheat on his girlfriend or wife. This has made things more difficult for those in relationships because this "rank" word promotes distrust among our significant others.
4) Whitman uses the metaphors "Language...like one of Shakespeare's clowns," and "Slang, too, is the wholesome fermentation or eructation of those processes eternally active in languae, by which froths and specks are thrown up, mostly to pass away; though occasionally to settle and permanently chrystallize". These metaphors are fitting ways to explain slang because slang is used by each generation to make their own inside jokes and special banter within their version of English. The second metaphor is more effective because it explains how some slang words die off in popularity or they continue to grow and are still commonly used today.
5) In paragraph 3, Whitman makes his perspective "plainer" by how older and more well  known slang words became the solid definition for common words used today. For example, he uses the word "right" to mean "literally only straight", while "wrong" is "twisted, distorted".
6) Language and mythology share the relationship of arising from the creativity of the people around them and not from the dictionaries and grammar books of the time. Mythology, like slang, is spontaneous and organic.
7) The examples that Whitman uses thoughout paragraphs 6-10 illustrate the point that language is constantly reshaped to fit the times and it it used to describe what kind of events are happening. Language is also used in an endearing way, with nicknames replacing formalities. Whitman emphasizes on how language can make a community more connected and friendlier instead of harsh and formal.
8) Whitman implies the opinion that the "American humorists" are bland with their inuse of slang. I think that this strengthens his arguement because when slang is involved in a conversation, the listener becomes more interested and excited because they immediately made a connection through the understanding of that certain word. They can also be more creative and brash with their words, and those organic stories are more compelling than the boring ramblings of an intellectual at times.
9) The tone of the essay is filled with appretiaiton and fascination at the power of language. The final paragraph contributes to this belief because Whitman uses the metaphors of how language can be seen as a never ending body, living on and on as each generation comes and goes. Throughout this essay Whitman has expressed his joy and appretiation of language through his personal connections and lively metaphors.
10) This essay reflects Whitman's appretiation for organic and simple things in life instead of the learned word. This relates to his poem "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer", where Whitman was being taught by a professor about the stars with numbers and division and graphs. Whitman simply went out and looked at the stars and it taught him exactly what he needed to know. This relates to his style of finding the lessons of life in the simplest things, whether it be nature or slang.
11) "An attempt of common humanity to escape from bald literalism, and express itself illimitable, which in highest walks produces poets and poems..." applies to how I need to look into the lines when I am doing a character study for drama. A character is not a two dimensional thing with words already written out for them; each character is an experience and to be able to portray their wishes and tell their story, I need to look in between the lines.
12) I support this arguement because in my generation, we use the slang word "bae" to describe someone that we have a crush on and it means "before anyone else". Many people despise this word and use it ironically, but some in this generation love it and learning about it and using it in everyday life is important to my generation because it is ours.