Literary Slumming: Slang and Class in Nineteenth-Century France

Literary Slumming explores how upper-class writers, lexicographers, literary critics, and bourgeois readers appropriated lower-class and criminal language and culture in nineteenth-century French literature, leading to the emergence of a sociolinguistic phenomenon that expanded class boundaries and increased visibility and agency for minorities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Literary Slumming: Slang and Class in Nineteenth-Century France is a sociolinguistic study that examines the representation of slang in French literature and dictionaries to explore the ways in which upper-class writers, lexicographers, literary critics, and bourgeois readers engaged in a sociolinguistic phenomenon known as "literary slumming" or the appropriation of lower-class and criminal language and culture. The book analyzes spoken and embodied manifestations of the anti-language of slang in the works of Eugène François Vidocq, Honoré de Balzac, Eugène Sue, Victor Hugo, the Goncourt Brothers, and Émile Zola. It argues that the nineteenth-century French literary discourse on slang led to the emergence of this sociolinguistic phenomenon that prioritized lower-class and criminal life and culture in a way that ultimately expanded class boundaries and increased visibility and agency for minorities within the public sphere.

The book begins by tracing the historical origins of slang in French society. It highlights the role of the lower classes in the development of slang and the ways in which it was used to communicate and express themselves. It also discusses the various types of slang that existed in nineteenth-century France, including street slang, criminal slang, and working-class slang.

One of the key themes of Literary Slumming is the way in which upper-class writers, lexicographers, literary critics, and bourgeois readers appropriated lower-class and criminal language and culture. The authors argue that this appropriation was not simply a matter of imitation or entertainment but was a way of asserting social and cultural dominance. They argue that upper-class writers and lexicographers used slang to create a sense of authenticity and to distance themselves from the lower classes.

The book also explores the ways in which slang was used to challenge social norms and values. It highlights the way in which slang was used to express anger, frustration, and rebellion against the established order. It also discusses the way in which slang was used to create a sense of community and belonging among marginalized groups.

One of the most interesting aspects of Literary Slumming is the way in which slang was used to create a sense of identity and self-expression. The authors argue that slang was a way for marginalized groups to assert their own cultural identity and to resist the dominant cultural norms that were imposed upon them. They argue that slang was a way for individuals to express their emotions and experiences in a way that was not possible through more formal language.

However, Literary Slumming also highlights the negative consequences of slang. It argues that slang can be a source of confusion and misunderstanding and that it can be used to perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. It also argues that slang can be a barrier to social mobility and that it can limit the opportunities available to marginalized groups.

In conclusion, Literary Slumming is a fascinating and insightful study that examines the representation of slang in French literature and dictionaries to explore the ways in which upper-class writers, lexicographers, literary critics, and bourgeois readers engaged in a sociolinguistic phenomenon known as "literary slumming" or the appropriation of lower-class and criminal language and culture. The book highlights the historical origins of slang, the various types of slang that existed in nineteenth-century France, and the ways in which slang was used to challenge social norms and values, create a sense of identity and self-expression, and perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. It also highlights the negative consequences of slang and the need for greater awareness and understanding of its impact on society.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 161 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793621160