Discuss Mother Tongue rhetoric questions

Connotation
Dentotation

What slang exists in the language of texting?  How are abbreviation and code words used to indicate ideas with words or acronyms that are different from standard academic English or the English of a news station like CNN?  Provide examples.

Identify and respectfully give names to different types of English spoken in your home, neighborhood, and school.

What are the strengths and rhetorical features of each?  Which types employ more figurative language, such as creative expressions, use of metaphor, imagery, simile? Give examples of slang (language use particular to that form of English) from that type of English.  

Does this type of English rely at all on verbal intonations and pronunciation (specific forms of delivery and pronunciation) to convey tone and meaning?  Provide an example to your partner.  

Do any of the types of English around you employ sarcasm, irony, satire or some other form of humor?

Which types of spoken and written English rely rely on more literal/denotative versions of Enlgish?  What are the strengths and limitations of those types of English? 

What types of associations (including unfair or ignorant ones) do people make about the different types of English spoken at school or in your neighborhood or homes?  What prejudices or misunderstandings surround certain types of English (think about Amy Tan's essay for examples to get you started).