Applied Linguistics: Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends
Vol 2 No 2 (2025): Applied Linguistics: Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends

Emotive Function and Catharsis in Maxim Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers’ Register: A Sociolinguistic Study in Palu City

Engka Ulang Rahmadani (Universitas Alkhairaat Palu)
Nayla Cahyu (Universitas Alkhairaat)
Indra Indra (Universitas Alkhairaat Palu)
Reynaldy Daud (Universitas Alkhairaat Palu)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the emotive functions and cathartic effects in the language register used by Maxim online motorcycle taxi drivers in Palu City, Central Sulawesi. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through field observations, semi-structured interviews, and note-taking from three purposively selected informants. The analysis was conducted using the multidimensional register framework developed by Biber and Conrad (2009, 2019). The results show that the drivers’ registers consist of three main types: (1) adoption of digital terms (cancel, on/off, on-bid, nge-tap), (2) metaphorical extensions (gacor, anyep, paus), and (3) interference from the local Kaili language (balengga). Functionally, these registers play important roles in improving operational efficiency, providing emotional catharsis (e.g., gacor for expressing happiness and anyep for venting frustration), and constructing group identity within the driver community.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

appling

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Applied Linguistics Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends is a scholarly journal published twice a year in March and September under the patronage of Yayasan Nurul Iman Muara Gading Mas. The periodical welcomes submissions pertaining to language-related problems and solutions in realworld ...