Abstract:Language and culture has always been inseparable. They are closely related. The spirit of freedom of the United States is deeply rooted in the American culture, and influence the development and change of its language at the same time. As a remarkable and vital part of U.S. native language, slang can clearly reflect American culture from a special perspective. Furthermore college slang, which is widely used by American teenagers especially contemporary students, is an important part of the American slang and also a typical representative of the American culture. The clear research on the development of the college slang can help us see through the American spirit of freedom and help us learn and understand American culture and the national spirit of freedom deeply, which Americans be proud of, from the perspective of language study. For Chinese people who learn English or teach English, it is noteworthy to open our mind, develop a positive attitude to the native speakers and their culture, and learn more about intercultural abilities. This essay starts with the brief introduction about American college slang, the definition of the free spirit and Americans’ understanding of the spirit of freedom. The key points lie both in the external and internal development factors, such as the group who use it, its own characteristics and so on. The aim of this research is analyzing the essence of American spirit of freedom and its effects on the language development as well.

Keywords: slang; culture; enable factors; essence; spirit

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 Features and Influences of the Spirit of Freedom-3

2.1 Overview-3

2.2 The Essential Features of American Spirit of Freedom-3

2.3 The Influences of Spirit of Freedom on College Slang-3

2.3.1 Word Formation-3

2.3.2 Meaning-4

2.3.3 Grammar-5

Chapter 3 The Internal Factors of Slang Itself-7

3.1 Features of American College Slang-7

3.2 Functions of American College Slang-7

3.2.1 Helping to Express Meaning with Concise Form-7

3.2.2 Making Language More Attractive with its Humor-8

3.2.3 Helping Building A Close Relationship-9

3.2.4 Assisting Students in Building the Sense of Security-9

Chapter 4 The External Factors of Slang Development-11

4.1 American Rapid-Developing Society-11

4.1.1 Science and Technology-11

4.1.2 Political and Economic-11

4.2 American College Slang Users-12

4.2.1 Overview-12

4.2.2 Characteristics of College Students-12

4.2.3 Education and Beliefs of College Students-12

4.2.4 Reflection-13

Chapter 5 Conclusion-15

References-17

Acknowledgements-18