SOCIO-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF SLANG EXPRESSIONS IN ABAGANA, ACHALLA AND UGA STREETS IN FEGGE, ONITSHA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Slang expressions have generally been regarded over the years as the language of the “never-do-well” in society, especially among youths and adolescents, due to environmental influences and the harmful substances some of them consume. Yet, slang has gained wide acceptance and demonstrates significant communicative value among speakers, both in conversation and social interaction. Slang expressions in Onitsha Metropolis are not left out of this discussion. In recent times, the use of slang in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, has increased significantly, especially for communication and socio-economic interaction among traders, touts, and young scholars. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of slang expressions used in selected streets in Fegge, Onitsha, with the aim of determining and measuring their communicative impact. In line with this objective, slang expressions commonly used in Abagana Street, Achalla Street, and Uga Street were identified and analyzed. The slang expressions popular in these streets have contributed to improving the linguistic competence of their users. This study therefore examines the relevance of slang to effective communication. To achieve this, several slang forms from the selected areas were collected and analyzed. These locations were chosen because slang expressions are actively used by the people who reside and transact there. It was found that these expressions have been widely accepted for their functional roles in society. Furthermore, the study advocates that these slang expressions used in the selected areas should be recognized and accepted by both the literate and business classes for their potential contribution to socio-economic development in the environment.