After the classwork on language variation linked to occupation or interest, use the British Library website to explore a 1673 dictionary of underworld slang, Head's 'Canting Academy' at the link below.
Like the language we disussed in class, these words were used to hide meanings from people outside the group, and were an important aspect of personal and group identity. Read the introduction and then explore two or three pages. Find some words we still use today - have the meanings changed or not? Are there any words we don't use that you think might be useful today? Can the term 'anti-language' fit here? How is this slang like Leet? Write a couple of paragraphs on your blog to explain your responses.
www.bl.uk/learning/langlit/dic/head/canting1673.html
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