OVERVIEW

LEADER PREPARATION

• Find a popular song (tape or CD) with lots of examples of adolescent language. (Rap music often uses many popular teen words.) Obtain the appropriate music playing machine.
• Develop a list of 20 current words or phrases currently used by adolescents.
• Read the research review entitled, "Adolescent Language as Affectively Coded Behavior: Findings of an Observational Research Project."
• Acquire a well-lit room to hold the discussion.
• Make a video presentation. Videotape teens interacting at a local, popular site. Maybe ask them to define certain words.

GROUP BUILDING

Play a popular song containing many examples of adolescent language. Use this at the beginning to prepare the group for the discussion. Pass out the sheets containing the list of teen phrases and words. Give them five minutes to try to define the list.

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Show the video clip to begin discussion.
• Invite some teens to join in a panel discussion with the adult audience. Have the audience pose any questions about the video and/or adolescent communication.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Divide the group into sub groups and have them discuss these questions:

• What slang words or other phrases did you use when you were in high school?
• What slang words or other phrases did the generation before you use?
• Why did you, as do present day teens, use these various "dialects" in your communication?
• What is an appropriate response from us, as adults, to their language?
• How can this "teen language" be beneficial to teens in their development?
• How can this language be detrimental to adolescent development?

WRAP-UP

Bring the subgroups back together. Share with them the importance of adolescent language in one’s development into adulthood. Adults should be aware of current words and phrases spoken. Also note that when an adolescent ceases to use this "unique" style of talk he or she may be maturing out of adolescence.

IMPLICATIONS

1. This discussion will help adults understand the purpose of adolescent language.
2. This may help adults formulate appropriate responses to adolescents using their language.
3. It provides parameters for future study.

Steve Faulk cCYS