The Representation of Social Identity and Popular Culture through Generation Z Language Variation on TikTok

Auzi Ilaturahmi; Juwita Sekar Arum Ramadhani

doi:10.30736/ej.v13i1.1381

Authors

Auzi Ilaturahmi Universitas Jambi
Juwita Sekar Arum Ramadhani Universitas Jambi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30736/ej.v13i1.1381

Keywords:

Sociolinguistics, Generation Z, TikTok, Social Identity, Sociolinguistics; Generation Z; TikTok; Social Identity; Popular Culture.

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the representation of social identity and popular culture reflected in the language variations used by Generation Z on the social media platform TikTok. The phenomenon of code-mixing and the use of slang expressions constitute the primary focus of this research in order to examine how language transforms within the digital ecosystem. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a sociolinguistic approach. The data were collected through observation and note-taking techniques from ten TikTok video uploads created by various content creators representing issues related to commerce, politics, mental health, and lifestyle. The data analysis was conducted by relating linguistic units to their social contexts using Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Cultural Capital and Howard Giles’ Communication Accommodation Theory. The findings reveal that: (1) language variations, particularly English-Indonesian code-mixing, function as a form of cultural capital to project a modern and cosmopolitan identity; (2) the use of slang and acronyms serves as a means of communication efficiency and group solidarity formation; and (3) language use on TikTok represents fluid social identities, ranging from egalitarian and masculine identities to reflective self-representations. The study concludes that TikTok has become a dynamic linguistic laboratory in which Generation Z negotiates identity and disseminates new popular cultural values through inclusive linguistic creativity.

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