Is it necessary to study slang?
有必要学习俚语吗?
No, it is not. In fact it’s quite a dangerous thing to do. When we’re learning a foreign language, we like to know exactly what native speakers say and we like to know all the rude words in the language. Slang is usually rude and impolite, but if you are a learner you don’t know just how rude or impolite. If you use slang or swear words when speaking to native speakers they might be quite shocked by what you say. Modern dictionaries clearly label certain words and expressions as ‘taboo’ to show that their use is rude or offensive in polite society. It’s fine to understand such words and phrases, but always avoid using them in case you give offence.
没必要。这其实是一件挺危险的事。我们在学外语时，希望确切地了解以此为母语的人是怎么说话的，我们也想知道这门外语中所有的粗鲁词语。俚语一般是粗鲁和无礼的，作为一个初学者，你不知道粗鲁和无礼的程度。在与以英语为母语的人说话时，你要是用俚语或脏词，他们可能会很震惊。现代词典把某些词或词组明确标明为“禁忌”，说明在礼仪之社会使用这些词是粗俗的或是令人不快的。理解这些词和短语是好的，但切忌使用，以免冒犯他人。
文：路易亚历山大 新概念英语作者