THE USE OF SLANG AND DIALECT IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

Abstract

The use of slang and dialect in Young Adult (YA) literature has emerged as a defining linguistic feature that distinguishes the genre and enhances its cultural relevance. Unlike traditional literary forms that privilege standardized English, YA texts frequently incorporate non-standard varieties of language to reflect the lived realities of adolescents. This study investigates the role of slang and dialect in YA literature, focusing on how these linguistic strategies contribute to authenticity, identity construction, and reader engagement. Anchored in sociolinguistic theories of variation and identity (Labov, 1972; Eckert, 2000) and literary frameworks surrounding adolescent fiction (Trites, 2000; Cart, 2010), this research examines how authors strategically deploy linguistic variation to capture the nuances of youth culture. A qualitative textual analysis was conducted on three influential YA novels—The Outsiders (1967) by S.E. Hinton, The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas, and Long Way Down (2017) by Jason Reynolds. Each of these works was selected for its linguistic richness and cultural impact, particularly in its portrayal of adolescent voices across diverse social, cultural, and racial contexts. The analysis highlights three key functions of slang and dialect in YA fiction: (1) constructing authentic voices that mirror real adolescent speech, (2) expressing identity and resistance, especially in contexts of marginalization and social struggle, and (3) enhancing reader immersion by resonating with the rhythms, creativity, and immediacy of youth communication. Findings suggest that slang and dialect are not mere stylistic flourishes but central devices that allow YA authors to bridge generational gaps, validate youth linguistic practices, and challenge dominant language ideologies that often marginalize non-standard English. However, the study also identifies tensions: slang evolves rapidly and can date texts, while dialect carries risks of stereotyping if not employed with cultural sensitivity. Despite these challenges, the integration of linguistic diversity in YA literature enhances its pedagogical and literary value, offering both a mirror for adolescent readers and a window into the cultural and social dynamics of youth communities.