Enculturation, Language, and Argument
Critical Thinking
Fall 2001 Dr. Koster

To explore the issues involved in enculturation, language, and critical thinking, we=re going to compile our own research database based on the language used at Winthrop. This is the first stage of the investigation.

On September 10, please bring to class at least 25 examples of current Winthrop slang. (Three bonus points will be awarded to the three collectors in each section with the highest totals.) Please do not censor the slang, since that will defeat the purpose of our investigation. Also, please remember that just because you have heard a word doesn=t mean that I will think that you use it, endorse it, or anything else. To be a successful slang collector, you first have to be a good listener, and do the editing, analyzing, and editorializing later.

Your slang collection will be more useful if you don=t go around asking people AWhat slang words do you know?@, but instead listen to conversations and take furtive notes. You can write up full entries later. Pay close attention to who uses and understands the term (which might be a word or a phrase), in what circumstances it=s used, and anything you can glean about the attitudes it carries. (For instance, AYou bitch@ could be an insult or a compliment, depending on the user and circumstances.)

Write your entry up on a 3" x 5" card that looks like the one below. (The size of the card is really important.) Make sure you get the word (with best guestimate at spelling), a definition, an example, and a description of the user(s) and circumstance. Please print on the cards, and put your name on them! Then put them in alphabetical order and fasten them with a rubber band.