Wistara: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra
Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Vol. 7. No.1. 2026

Javanese Taboo Language as Social Interaction among Teenagers from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds

Fajar Susanto (Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya)
Claudia Fira Inne Purwantoro (Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya)
Tri Indrayanti (Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explain why teenagers from different socioeconomic backgrounds use the Javanese taboo language and how taboo language influences the teenagers’ social interaction. This study was designed with the ethnographic qualitative approach. Because the subject has been decided in advance, the case study approach was also used in addition to the ethnographic method in this study. The participants in this study were four teenagers, two from the upper-middle class and two from the lower middle class. Data were taken with direct observations, recordings, and interviews. The findings indicated that a cursing ‘cok’, a sort of Javanese taboo language, is most commonly utilized by teenagers. That taboo language has become a common part of adolescents’ communication, particularly among lower middle-class teenagers. Family environment and peer groups strongly influence the normalization of taboo expressions in everyday speech. Lower middle-class participants tended to use taboo language as a symbol of intimacy, solidarity, and emotional expression, while upper middle-class participants showed greater awareness and control in avoiding taboo expressions due to stricter parental guidance and social norms. The study concludes that taboo language among teenagers is closely connected to socialization, identity, and interactional context rather than simply impolite behavior. Socioeconomic background significantly shapes teenagers’ perceptions, habits, and regulation of taboo language in daily communication.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

wistara

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Wistara: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, berisi artikel dan/atau laporan hasil penelitian, kajian (teori maupun aplikasi), dan bahasan kepustakaan berkaitan dengan bidang bahasa, sastra, serta ...