2026· International journal of research and innovation in social science· Vol 10, pp. 8526-8533· 0 citations
Abstract
TikTok has rapidly evolved into a dominant communication platform among teenagers, enabling unique forms of language play, identity display, and social interaction. This systematic literature review compares linguistic trends among Malaysian and American adolescents aged 13–19 on TikTok, focusing on slang and viral expressions, code-mixing and translanguaging practices, identity construction, and language–culture relations. Guided by PRISMA 2020, a comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, LLBA and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2020 and 2025. Twenty-nine peer-reviewed publications met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis reveals that (i) American teenagers drive global slang innovation shaped by pop culture, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and fandom discourse; (ii) Malaysian teenagers engage in extensive creative code-mixing between English, Malay, and local vernaculars to perform humour, solidarity, and online persona; (iii) TikTok’s multimodal affordances encourage linguistic hybridisation, enabling young users to construct cultural identity and navigate peer norms; and (iv) digital trends increasingly influence offline youth communication in both countries. The review highlights significant gaps in longitudinal data, Southeast Asian representation, AI-mediated captions, and ethical considerations in researching minors on social media. Implications emphasise the need for culturally responsive digital language policies in Malaysian education to recognise youth multimodal repertoires. Future research should include computational linguistic analysis and cross-regional comparison of youth TikTok communication practices.
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.
Nur Indah Sholikhati, Etin Pujihastuti, N. Andini et al.· Journal of Pragmatics Resear...· 0 citations
Overall, the review demonstrates that digital media has become a significant platform for the evolution, preservation, and transformation of the Malay language in the digital era.
Zuliana Zubir, N. Ahmad, Zaliza Zubir et al.· International journal of res...· 0 citations
This study investigates the linguistic forms and social functions of social media slang in TikTok videos produced by Malaysian Generation Z influencers. Drawing on Labov’s (1972) sociolinguistic theory of linguistic variation and Eckert’s (2000) framework of lexical repertoire and indexicality, a qualitative content analysis was conducted on a purposive sample of 20–30 videos. The findings reveal that influencers employ diverse linguistic forms, including lexical slang, abbreviations, acronyms, code‑mixing, emoji‑based slang, and viral phrases. These forms are not random but follow recognizable Gen Z speech norms, blending global internet slang with local Malaysian English features. Functionally, slang serves as a communicative resource for identity construction, solidarity and rapport, humor and entertainment, trend alignment, emphasis, and evaluation. By strategically combining global and local repertoires, Malaysian Gen Z influencers construct relatable personas, sustain audience engagement, and participate in TikTok’s fast‑paced trend culture. This study highlights slang as both a lexical repertoire and a social practice, underscoring its role in shaping digital youth identity and discourse.
Muhammad Aqmarafiq Mohd Sukri @ Mohd Zahir, Nor Eleyana Abdullah, Mafarhanatul Akmal Ahmad Kamal et al.· International journal of res...· 0 citations
Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages during communication, as speakers alternate between their native language and another language. This phenomenon usually happens to people with bilingual or multilingual competencies. In Cambodia, code-switching has become increasingly common, especially among young people who often use it in daily conversations. This study aims to examine Cambodian youth’s perspectives on code-switching between Khmer and English in daily conversations. The study collected data from Cambodian youth aged 18 to 35 using an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Based on 261 responses from the respondents (48.7% were females), the study revealed common English words or phrases used in daily conversations. It also showed that most Cambodian youth (93.1%) experienced using code-switching in daily conversations. Almost two-thirds (60.9%) of them said that they sometimes used code-switching, while about 15% and 5% respectively stated that they often or always used it. The participants tended to disagree that code-switching between Khmer and English made them forget the Khmer language (M = 2.43, SD = 1.03). The main reasons for code-switching included using it to practice English, express and elaborate details, show bilingual competency, and deal with a lack of vocabulary. The study also showed a positive correlation between the English proficiency level and the frequency of code-switching use (r = 0.257, p < 0.01). This means that those who are more proficient in English tend to engage in code-switching more often in everyday conversations. This study concludes by discussing limitations and suggestions for future research.
Vitou Tes, Kimkong Heng· Journal of Research in Educa...· 0 citations
The rapid advancement of communication technologies and the widespread penetration of digital culture have significantly accelerated the emergence of code-switching phenomena, characterized by the blending of Indonesian and English expressions in the daily communication practices of Generation Z. This linguistic trend has frequently contributed to communication gaps and emotional tensions between adolescents and parents, particularly those with limited digital literacy. This community service program aims to address these interpersonal communication barriers through a communicative da’wah-based approach, interactive lectures, lexical breakdown workshops (popular slang glossary), and dialog simulation (roleplay). The target partners of this program were the members of the Al Jannah Women’s Qur’anic Study Group at Musholla Babul Ihsan, Bromo Lorong Damai Street, Medan City. Using a descriptive qualitative method grounded in participatory observation and oral feedback analysis, this program examined changes in participants’ perspectives regarding the psycholinguistic dynamics of adolescents. The findings indicate that a humanistic, faith-based learning approach was effective in reducing parental emotional resistance, significantly improving modern vocabulary literacy, and fostering awareness of assertive parenting communication patterns. Following the intervention, participants demonstrated improved ability to interpret the emotional meanings embedded in adolescents’ contemporary expressions, thereby reducing potential emotional conflict within the family environment
J. Pengabdian, Kepada Masyarakat, Cici Handayani et al.· GANDRUNG: Jurnal Pengabdian...· 0 citations
With the growing population and increasing visibility of the gay community, platforms such as Grindr have become crucial spaces for Filipino gay men to explore and connect; however, existing studies largely focus on hook-up culture, thereby overlooking how users construct identity through language. Thus, this study examined how Filipino gay men use their Grindr's “About Me” section to perform identity and navigate stigma in the Philippines. Situated within digital linguistics and queer studies, the research analyses ninety publicly visible Grindr profiles from Angeles City, Pampanga. Specifically, it was guided by Corpus Linguistics and Nguyen-Trung Kien’s Digital Dramaturgical Model, employing a qualitative, exploratory design through purposive sampling and corpus-based Thematic Analysis. In particular, linguistic features were examined across three categories: (1) words and phrases, (2) acronyms and slang, and (3) emojis. The findings revealed recurring lexical patterns emphasizing discretion, masculinity, sexual roles, health, and immediacy. While acronyms and slang function as efficient subcultural codes for expressing preferences and boundaries, Emojis serve as paralinguistic cues that convey affect and intent. Consequently, these linguistic strategies reflect forms of impression management shaped by platform constraints, sociocultural stigma, and local norms. The study demonstrates that Grindr profiles serve as digital front-stage performances where users negotiate visibility, desirability, and safety, thereby offering localized insight into how Filipino gay men strategically use language to construct identity within a conservative, postcolonial, and multilingual context.
Ezekiel Espinosa, Rodolfo P. Dizon Jr.· Journal of Language, Literat...· 0 citations