Language of Youth on Media Platforms: A Comparative Analysis of Slang on Instagram and Facebook in Pakistan

Abstract

The use of slang has created creativity among young people in the social media platforms, which has altered the linguistic practices of the youth. The existence of the hybrid language in social media offers identity and cultural affiliation as a platform where English and Urdu can co-exist in Pakistan. This research seeks to determine the differences in frequency, function, and form of slang language used on Instagram or Facebook, it also compares the popular types of slang language used by the Pakistani youth on Instagram or Facebook. The mixed-method method was used to collect the data of 200 public posts and comments on Instagram and Facebook. The quantitative analysis was done to determine the frequency and types of slang, whereas the qualitative analysis was conducted to determine the purpose and context of slang by using discourse analysis. It is found that slang is more commonly and creatively used on Instagram by focusing on emotions, identity and connection, while it is more discursive and evaluative on Facebook. In the changing online communication in Pakistan, Slang is a linguistic identity of digital identity that is innovative, hybrid and youth culture.