The language of the contemporary youth – the developed versus the limited linguistic code

Abstract

The language of the contemporary youth is a complex phenomenon affected by various cultural conditionings. Some young people use rich language, that is the developed linguistic code. This kind of language is an excellent tool of action in reality. Others employ merely the limited linguistic code characterized by high predictability and impoverished lexical resources, increasing emotional marking and strong vulgarization. The reasons for this status quo may be sought in young people’s choice of the ‘to be or to have’ attitude, as well as in the contemporary cultural trends marked by consumptionism, media attention, Americanization, IT revolution and postmodernism.