Final answer:
Walt Whitman viewed slang as particularly American due to its origins in the diverse immigrant cultures that shaped American English. This blending of linguistic styles contributed to the unique identity of the American language as celebrated in Whitman's poetry. So, the correct option is B) It evolves from diverse immigrant cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walt Whitman's Perspective on American Slang
According to Walt Whitman, a prominent figure in the 19th-century American literature landscape, slang is particularly American because it evolves from diverse immigrant cultures. Whitman celebrated the common language and the variegated tapestry of the American linguistic style, which was informed by the nation's immigrant populations merging their native expressions with the English language. The emergence of American slang can be traced back to the interactions among these immigrant communities, which created a new, uniquely American means of expression.
Whitman saw this evolution of language, including the use of slang, as a testament to the country’s rich diversity and a defining characteristic of its national identity. He believed that the mingling of different languages and cultures contributed to the vibrant and dynamic nature of American English, and he celebrated this in his poetry.
The concept of a melting pot is intrinsically linked to how these linguistic styles developed, blending elements from various backgrounds. This blend is not only a reflection of the nation's diversity but has also served as a means of forging a collective identity, which Whitman saw as embedded in the essence of America and its people. In the final part of this explanation, it can be seen that Walt Whitman believed slang to be particularly American because it evolved from diverse immigrant cultures (Option B).