Code-Switching and Slang Used by Gen Z Indonesians on Social Media

Abstract

Most social media active users are Gen Z Indonesians Gen Z, who usually communicate with others on social media by switching their code to another code or language and using slang. The switchover from Bahasa Indonesia to other regional dialects or English and the use of slang have been dominated on social media, not limited to words but also sentences. This study observes and examines the reasons that underlying Indonesians Gen Z perform code-switching and use slang, as well as the advantages and disadvantages that will arise. The research method used is descriptive qualitative research. Data were collected from journals, reports, or books that had been written by other researchers and analyzed by content or document analysis and discourse analysis. This research found that there are some reasons, such as social reasons, convenience, referential functions like emphasizing the precise message, and affective functions, also there are three advantages and a disadvantage of code-switching and using slang in communication in social media.

Code-Switching and Slang: An Analysis of Language Dynamics in the Everyday Lives of Generation Z

“…Participant monitoring in the study encompassed various contexts of code-switching and slang usage within Generation Z. Notably, code-switching was observed in informal settings like interactions with peers or within the campus environment (De Socarraz-Novoa, 2015; Unamuno, 2008), while the use of slang tended to surface in relaxed situations and online interactions via social media (Jeresano & Carretero, 2022;Kandiawan, 2022;Yusuf et al, 2023). Daily interaction patterns exhibited certain regularities, with participants seamlessly transitioning between code-switching when conversing with family members and employing slang with friends, showcasing a keen awareness of different social contexts.…”

“…This generation, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is deeply influenced by rapid technological advancements (Ajmain, 2020;Demir & Sönmez, 2021), leading to a norm or ethics of digital communication and social media interaction (Apdillah et al, 2022;Eberwein & Porlezza, 2016). Consequently, their language use is characterized by frequent code-switching and a distinctive incorporation of slang (Kandiawan, 2022;Tarihoran et al, 2022).…”

“…Analyzing code-switched data reveals linguistic sharing, cross-lingual transfer, lexical borrowing, and common occurrences of speech errors with restarts (Sitaram et al, 2020). The Indonesian Gen Z's use of code-switching and slang on social media is often driven by social factors, convenience, referential functions emphasizing precise messaging, and affective functions to appear up-to-date, cool, and fashionable among friends (Kandiawan, 2022;Kristanto & Meilasari, 2019).…”

An analysis: Internet slang usage as code-switching in X (Twitter)

“…Social media is a kind of new form of communication from individuals or groups of Internet users who are contributing to a conversation and X is part of social media that people use to communicate. The use of social media has brought significant impacts in utilizing digital technology communication (Kandiawan, 2023) | 208 | An analysis: Internet slang usage as code-switching in X (Twitter) Bertha Resivia Gayatri, Irwan Fathur Rosyid, Lely Tri Wijayanti Social media allow people to connect from around the world without being limited by distance, space, or time (Trimastuti, 2017). X is a form of social media that was previously named Twitter.…”

“…Internet slang which is in written form sometimes found as code-switching. People tend to switch and use slang in their social media (Kandiawan, 2023). First, it may consider a restricted language skill in one or both languages that users use to communicate through the Internet.…”