ABSTRACT
Youth language practices in France provide a good example of diverse source languages serving as wells for urban youth practices, as does the in-group usage of some youth groups in London. The sociolinguistic contexts within which youth, criminal or colloquial usage is found can differ in a number of ways: although people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds can be found in many countries across the globe, there are some states, such as the UK, France and Germany, for example, where a single state language generally predominates. The youth, criminal and colloquial palette is more subtle and crafted than may initially appear to be the case. Care should be taken when sweeping or simplistic statements are made equating youth or criminal language with a lack of culture or education or with social failings. The first concerns discourse and the value that a discourse-centric analytical approach may bring to the appreciation of the social meaning negotiated by youth actors.
