<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Semantic change is an important part of African American slang and involves two mechanisms: figuration and shifting. Both are enormously productive and account for numerous slang expressions based on standard English. This paper presents these processes in detail. Partially drawing from the author’s earlier publications, the presentation is based on lexical material from a sizable database of citations from contemporary African American sources collected through extensive fieldwork in the United States in recent years.</p></abstract>

Semantic change is an important part of African American slang and involves two mechanisms: figuration and shifting. Both are enormously productive and account for numerous slang expressions based on standard English. This paper presents these processes in detail. Partially drawing from the author’s earlier publications, the presentation is based on lexical material from a sizable database of citations from contemporary African American sources collected through extensive fieldwork in the United States in recent years.

Semantic Change in African American Slang

Studia Anglica Posnaniensia

{"article-title":"Semantic Change in African American Slang"}

Semantic change is an important part of African American slang and involves two mechanisms: figuration and shifting. Both are enormously productive and account...

Semantic Change in African American Slang

Published Online: Nov 09, 2013

Page range: 29 - 44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/stap-2013-0002

Keywords
semantic change, figuration, semantic shifting, American slang

This content is open access.

Semantic Change in African American Slang

Published Online: Nov 09, 2013

Page range: 29 - 44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/stap-2013-0002

Keywordssemantic change, figuration, semantic shifting, American slang

This content is open access.

Keywords
semantic change, figuration, semantic shifting, American slang