Sociolinguistic Functions and Perceived Influence of Slang Language on Academic Communication among College Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67167/vertex.539Keywords:
academic communication, college students, slang language, sociolinguistics, youth communicationAbstract
This study examined the sociolinguistic functions and perceived influence of slang language on academic communication among college students. Specifically, it investigated students’ perceptions regarding slang language in terms of grammar, vocabulary, diction, and language usage, and determined whether significant differences existed when grouped according to demographic profile variables. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-survey research design involving forty Bachelor of Arts students from the School of Education, Arts, and Sciences of Universidad de Zamboanga. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the primary data-gathering instrument, while weighted mean, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Findings revealed that students demonstrated a high level of perception regarding the influence of slang language on academic communication, particularly in diction and language usage. Results further showed no significant differences in students’ perceptions when grouped according to sex, age, ethnicity, and monthly income, suggesting that slang language has become a shared communicative practice among college students regardless of demographic background. The study concludes that slang language functions as a socially meaningful linguistic practice shaped through identity formation, peer interaction, and digital communication culture. The findings highlight the importance of promoting sociolinguistic awareness and context-appropriate language use in higher education while recognizing the evolving communication practices of contemporary students. Moreover, the study contributes to sociolinguistic and educational communication research within the Philippine context by providing localized evidence on how informal linguistic practices influence student interaction, expressive communication, and academic discourse in multicultural university environments shaped increasingly by technology-mediated communication and youth culture.
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