Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS
Vol 4 No 3 (2026): Journal of Multidisciplinary Science: MIKAILALSYS

Gen Z’s Vocabulary Innovation on TikTok as a Reflection of Sociocultural Change and Its Implications for Education

Zikra, Giska Mardatillah (Unknown)
Nurizzati (Unknown)
Syafrina, Dewi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Nov 2026

Abstract

Lexical innovation on TikTok connects Generation Z’s linguistic creativity with digital interaction and sociocultural change, raising questions about its implications for Indonesian language use and education. This study identified forms of lexical innovation among Generation Z on TikTok, examined their relationship with sociocultural changes, and analysed their implications for Indonesian language education. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using TikTok videos, captions, and comments collected between July and October 2026. Data were gathered through documentation and note-taking and analysed according to linguistic form, origin, and contextual meaning. The findings identified six categories of lexical innovation shaped predominantly by English influence, exemplified by vibesnya, “flexing,” “in this economy,” “I wish,” orang have, and when ya. These forms served to express identity, articulate economic anxieties, and reinforce group solidarity. The study highlights TikTok as an important site of linguistic variation and sociocultural expression among Generation Z. For Indonesian language education, these findings suggest that digital lexical practices can provide contextual learning material for examining loanwords, semantic shifts, and code-mixing while promoting awareness of language choices appropriate to different communicative contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mikailalsys

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Environmental Science Physics Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Multidisciplinary Science : MIKAILALSYS [2987-3924 (Print) and 2987-2286 (Online)] is a double blind peer reviewed and open access journal to disseminating all information contributing to the understanding and development of Multidisciplinary Science. Its scope is international in that it ...