Teenage language: use and abuse

Abstract

The paper examines teenage language and how it expresses itself in unique ways to help define identities among peer groups. Teenagers challenge linguistic conventions to set themselves apart from adults by using a particular speech pattern that helps them identify and maintain their group identification. This study explores the psychological and social variables that influence the lexical features of teenage language among Turkish teenagers between the ages of fourteen and fifteen. The study analyses the spoken language of three Turkish teens over the course of two weeks, focusing on their vocative use, word creation, and cursing. The results show that in order to express their uniqueness and challenge societal conventions, this group of Turkish youths deliberately violates linguistic standards. Their overuse of swearing and the creation of new vocabulary emphasize their drive to set themselves apart from adults and create a sense of collective identity. The study also reveals how the English language and social media have influenced Turkish teenagers' language, as demonstrated by the use of Anglicisms and the creation of new terms related to sexuality and social media. According to the study, teenagers who group together are better able to communicate their uniqueness and use distinct languages.