LINGUIST List 7.1685

Fri Nov 29 1996

Sum: "Buzz word list" vs argot vs jargon etc.

Editor for this issue: Ljuba Veselinova <lveselinemunix.emich.edu>

Directory

1. caroline nachman, Summary of responses to "buzz word list" vs argot vs jargon vs dialects vs regi ster vs metalanguage!

Hi

 Thanks to all 3 dozen + linguists who responded to my
questions about a name for a small list of words [25-75] which,
once learned, enable a 3rd grade teacher to communicate well with
e.g. a commodities broker. This assumes both parties speak the
same language, e.g. French or English.

 The overwhelming bulk of responses, almost all of which
were remarkably lucid, thoughtful and helpful, believed that
"jargon" is the correct word for such a list. "Argot" was ruled
out by everyone as connoting an outlaw slang meant to confuse
others. "Dialect" was ruled out by everyone as referring to
regional differences in a language.

 Two suggestions that were at least unique: "register"
[W. Noordermeer, Netherlands], and "metalanguage" [Allison
Randall].

 Thanks again to everyone who responded. It's been a great
help.

 Caroline Nachman
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