DECODING GAY LINGO: A MORPHO-SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF SWARDSPEAK AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

The dynamic and creative nature of a language can lead to the development of linguistic deviations, such as the use of gay language. Gay language engages people of different ages, genders, and sexuality – inevitably including students. Thus, the study aimed at decoding morpho-sociolinguistic features of the gay language as used by college students. It used an explanatory sequential research design, utilising questionnaires and interviewing to gather data. Results revealed that there are more student swardspeakers than non-swardspeakers. Significantly, all LGBTQIA+ and “Prefer-Not-to-Say” groups are swardspeakers, while female swardspeakers outnumbered male swardspeakers. This study found most students use swardspeak in public places, in social media, and in texting. Morphological derivations of swardspeak include but are not limited to addition of the “j” phoneme, change of the final phoneme, clipping with affixation, code-switching, connotation through images, and eponymy. Finally, building relationships, concealment, and self-expression are some of the common reasons why students use swardspeak. Thus, the study recommends that a sociolinguistic primer of swardspeak can be developed to encourage students in learning a language. This can promote language competence among students.