Verbal communication can vary among different age groups, genders, and social circles. As people age, physical changes can make communication more difficult. Males and females also tend to use language differently, with males focusing more on exerting control and status while females seek to create relationships. Groups develop their own specialized vocabularies like slang, jargon, and cant that are only understood among members and help reinforce their identities. Examples include youth slang terms, criminal lingo in the mafia, and professional jargon.

1. Chapter 11 Verbal Diversity Among Americans

2. Age As age increases, a person becomes more susceptible to persuasion Certain physical changes (eyesight, hearing) often decrease making communication more difficult; adding more difficulty to intercultural communication Possible increased chance for loss of face

3. Gender Males Use language to exert control, protect independence, and negotiate their status Forceful, direct, devoid of sympathy and understanding and task-related Females Speaking is a principle way of creating and continuing relationships Attempts to involve others in conversation Seek confirmation and reinforce intimacy

4. Slang, Cant, Argot, Jargon Slang – often made up to reflect the ideas and customs to keep up with changing times Cant – slang used by members of organized crime Argot – terminology used by professionals, especially used by crooks Jargon – words or expressions used by a particular group or profession Are usually only understood by those in the groups who use them (text, IM, etc)

5. Slang MIRF - (merf) noun. acronym for Mom I'd Run From. The opposite of a MILF Textrovert - One who feels an increased sense of bravery over texting, as opposed to in person Flesh forks - Your bare fingers

6. Mobspeak: The Language of the Mafia (cant) A friend of ours : mob shorthand for introducing one made guy to another made guy Beef : a complaint or disagreement within the organization, usually discussed during a sit-down with higher-ups in the Family Broken : demoted in rank; "knocked down.”