In case you’re curious about why I’m saying what I’m saying: here’s what I said in another comment:
In the socialization process, I think there’s a tension between the already-existing abstract world that language conveys, and the flexibility and creativity that kids have. I say that because I was reading a book on wonder, and how children are immensely curious. However, over time, socialization can lead to the internalization of rigid identities and worldviews. In effect, older people are much less curious because they believe they know exactly who they are and believe they already have good-enough answers to the questions they care about.
That is what makes me wonder if the reason for the new slang that comes from young people has to do with the experimentation that young people do with their identities as well as the lack of internalization of rigid identities and worldviews. In other words, if I am a child and I don’t have a (relatively) rigid mind, to what extent could that explain my slang?
In case you’re curious about why I’m saying what I’m saying: here’s what I said in another comment:
In the socialization process, I think there’s a tension between the already-existing abstract world that language conveys, and the flexibility and creativity that kids have. I say that because I was reading a book on wonder, and how children are immensely curious. However, over time, socialization can lead to the internalization of rigid identities and worldviews. In effect, older people are much less curious because they believe they know exactly who they are and believe they already have good-enough answers to the questions they care about.
That is what makes me wonder if the reason for the new slang that comes from young people has to do with the experimentation that young people do with their identities as well as the lack of internalization of rigid identities and worldviews. In other words, if I am a child and I don’t have a (relatively) rigid mind, to what extent could that explain my slang?