The Role of Slang Words in Enhancing Informal English Communication Skills

M. Arjun Khoirudin Firmansyah; M. Zainuddin; Iin Widya Lestari

doi:10.31605/ilere.v1i2.3915

M. Arjun Khoirudin Firmansyah Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri
M. Zainuddin Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri
Iin Widya Lestari Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31605/ilere.v1i2.3915

Keywords: EFL Learning, Informal Communication, Slang Words, Wednesday Series

Abstract

Slang represents a dynamic and informal aspect of language, often reflecting cultural identity and creativity. This study examines the types and meanings of slang words used in six episodes of the Wednesday series (2022), aiming to explore their linguistic and pedagogical significance. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on Miles and Huberman’s content analysis framework, the study categorizes slang words into four types: coinage, blending, clipping, and acronyms. Coinage emerged as the most frequently used type, contributing to the series' authenticity and narrative depth, while blending, clipping, and acronyms provided linguistic variety. The findings highlight the potential of popular media as a resource for EFL learning, offering learners exposure to authentic informal communication. Slang enhances vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, and cultural understanding, making it a valuable tool for bridging formal education and real-world language use. However, the study’s scope is limited to six episodes, leaving room for future research to explore additional contexts and pedagogical outcomes. This research underscores the relevance of incorporating media into language instruction, providing practical insights for educators and learners. By analyzing the interplay between slang and media, the study contributes to applied linguistics and supports innovative approaches in EFL pedagogy.

References

Cahyani, P., & Hasbi, M. (2024). The Semiotics of Luck: Interpreting Visual Metaphors in the Animated Film. Innovations in Language Education and Literature, 1(1), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.31605/ilere.v1i1.3894

Dalzell, T. (2008). The Routledge dictionary of modern American slang and unconventional English. Routledge.

Hutchinson, A. E., & Dmitrieva, O. (2022). Exposure to speech via foreign film and its effects on non-native vowel production and perception. Journal of Phonetics, 95, 101189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wocn.2022.101189

Idris, A., & Hasbi, M. (2024). Analysis of the Main Character Costumes in “Enola Holmes” Movie Using CS Peirce’s Theory. GLENS: Global English Insights Journal, 1(2), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.61220/glens.v1i2.365

Kang, D.-M. (2019). ‘Wicked’ use of English slang in relation to identity development in an elementary EFL classroom. Porta Linguarum Revista Interuniversitaria de Didáctica de Las Lenguas Extranjeras, 31, 75–95. https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.vi31.13827

Khoshniyat, A. S., & Dowlatabadi, H. R. (2014). Using Conceptual Metaphors Manifested in Disney Movies to Teach English Idiomatic Expressions to Young Iranian EFL Learners. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 98, 999–1008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.510

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook. sage.

Popovych, M. (2023). The impact of text message slang on English language learners’ communication development. Filológia Tanszék.

Qiu, J. (2017). The Effect of English Movies on College English Listening Teaching. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 7(11), 1011. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0711.10

Ramadhan, H. F., & Simatupang, E. C. (2024). The View of Slang Words in the Movie “No Hard Feelings” (2023). Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3022–3030. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4058

Samad, P., & Paris, N. (2024). Feminist Perspective of Life’s Struggle: A Literature Review of the Movie Little Woman (2019). Innovations in Language Education and Literature, 1(1), 30–34. https://doi.org/10.31605/ilere.v1i1.3929

Situmorang, R. K., & Herman, H. (2021). An analysis of slang language styles used in charlie’s angels movie. Journal of English Educational Study (JEES), 4(1), 21–29.

Thorne, T. (2014). Dictionary of contemporary slang. A&C Black.

Wang, R., Do Dange, M., & Izadpanah, S. (2024). The effect of animated movies on speaking skills among motivated English foreign language learners: Elementary level. European Journal of Education, 59(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12665

Yule, G. (2022). The study of language. Cambridge university press.

Yulia, D. (2020). An Analysis of Slang Words in Selected Avril Lavigne Song Lyrics on “Head Above Water” Album. Univeristy of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara.