Journal of Pragmatics Research
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Pragmatics Research

Social Identity Construction through the Use of Youth Slang in Indonesian Teen Communities

Nur Indah Sholikhati (Department of Language Education, Fakultas of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, 53122, Indonesia)
Etin Pujihastuti (Department of Language Education, Fakultas of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, 53122, Indonesia)
Novita Pri Andini (Department of Language Education, Fakultas of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, 53122, Indonesia)
Dyah Wijayawati (Department of Language Education, Fakultas of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, 53122, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Teenage slang is often considered a unique form of social expression that reflects youth group dynamics, socialization processes, and identity formation. Teenagers' use of informal language is not only a communication style but also a symbol of group membership, resistance to standard norms, and a response to cultural changes influenced by globalization. This study aims to analyze the forms and functions of teen slang, explore its role in shaping teens' social identities, and examine how globalization influences its forms and uses. The research design follows a phenomenological approach, emphasizing teens' lived experiences and their own perspectives on slang. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with a sociolinguistic perspective complemented by elements of critical discourse analysis (CDA) to attend to the ideologies and representations embedded in youth language, data were collected from social media interactions, online conversations, and mass media texts. The findings indicate that teen slang consists of slang innovations, acronyms, loanwords from English, and expressive phrases unique to teens. These linguistic practices serve to strengthen group solidarity, express modern identities, and highlight generational differences. The study concludes that teen slang is not only linguistic variation but also a sociocultural practice that shapes teen identity in the era of globalization. In this regard, teen slang in Indonesia embodies adolescents' adaptability, creativity, and resilience in facing complex social realities, bridging local traditions and global influences.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jopr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Pragmatics Research, (JoPR), E-ISSN: 2656-8020, is published by State Insitute of Islamic Studies Salatiga, Indonesia. It is an International forum published every April and October and aimed at developing all aspects of scholarly theories and research on pragmatics, Pragma-linguistics, ...