4 Symbolic language in common use Groups of students brainstorm a list of words and phrases used every day but not a part of standard English speech. They may be examples from their own speech, their parents' or from young siblings. The terms 'unreal', 'groovy' and 'bad vibes' were used in the sixties and seventies. A dictionary of slang could help with this. The group selects twenty examples and arranges them alphabetically.
Individuals choose some words or phrases.
A meaning is stated for each term in standard English. An explanation for how and why it has gained that meaning is developed. Again a dictionary of slang could help with this. The group selects a small number of the most interesting, or most common words or phrases, and shares the explanations with the class. Students read the poem below by William Blake.