Throughout history, the English language has evolved and slang has become popularized. This modern slang divides generations, baffling adults while uniting teenagers. Brain Rot words like “skibidi”, “Ohio”, and “rizz” dominate daily conversations, both on and offline.
Instead of resisting these changes, many Wakeland educators have chosen to embrace them. Teachers are now incorporating modern language into their lessons, making the current curriculum more relatable and digestible for students.
“The English language is always evolving,” says Kevin Ratliff, Wakeland’s AP Literature teacher. “In today’s world we are just a lot more direct.” Ratliff emphasizes the similarities between modern language and older language as students work to decode Shakespeare’s writing. Although Shakespeare’s grammar may seem daunting at first, after diving deeper into his slang, there are clear similarities between today’s writing and past language.
For teens, it’s not just about communication; it’s about understanding. “When I read Shakespeare, it’s like old brainrot,” says student Tarun Balasubramaniam. “I use online tools like Sparksnotes to help me.”
While the language landscape will continue to shift right before our eyes, one thing will remain the same; the use of modern slang. Tools like our educators and online resources will continue to work to close the generational language gap.
