British and American English and the Position of Slang in These Languages

Abstract

The meaning of the term “slang” in English is different from other languages. The main reason for this is the migration of the English-speaking population to other continents (North America, Australia, Asia) from the beginning of the 17th century, the fact that their languages became the dominant language by suppressing local languages, and due to the use of English by representatives of other nations who migrated to these places. Therefore, English is spoken in the Australian, Indian, South African and American varieties. These varieties are also called “slangs” of the English language. Therefore, there is still no single view on the concept of “slang”. In English lexicology, slangs include the most diverse words and word combinations, from jargons to neologisms. In American English, slangs are pronounced more obvious. Especially after American Revolutionary War, English became important in the United States, and now there are those who consider it an independent language. The American English was enriched by a variety of sources and adapted to the use of people who migrated to these areas. The article compares the British and American English at different levels and determines their different points.