Youth Language in Makassar: Between Creativity and Parents' Confusion

Who doesn't know the youth of Makassar? They are known for being energetic, creative, and of course, having a unique language style. However, behind this uniqueness, there is an interesting phenomenon that makes parents shake their heads: the slang language of Makassar youth. Let's dive into this phenomenon with a touch of humor and some data that will make us reflect while smiling.

Slang Language: Creativity or "What Does It Even Mean?"

The slang language among Makassar youth isn't just a trend; it's become part of their identity. From using acronyms, abbreviations, to new terms that sometimes leave us scratching our heads. For instance, the term "sebat" which means "a cigarette" or "Mansur" which is a playful take on "mana surya" referring to a specific cigarette brand. This creativity shows how dynamic the language is in the hands of the younger generation.

Language Usage Statistics: Fact or Myth?

A study revealed that 82% of teenagers (Sulfiani et. Al, 2022) use slang in interactions with classmates, and 86% use it with friends outside of campus. However, only 8% bring this slang into family communication. This indicates that teenagers are quite clever at using different language registers depending on the context.

Alay Language: A Trend or Linguistic Disaster?

The "alay" language phenomenon also doesn't escape attention. This language, often found on social media, is characterized by the modification of letters and numbers that are sometimes hard to understand. Studies show that substitution processes are the most common pattern in alay language, with a frequency of 38% (Sarira, 2019). While it is seen as a form of self-expression, excessive use of alay language can affect the understanding and use of standard Indonesian.

Casual Greetings: Between Jokes and Conflicts

In Makassar, informal greetings between youths often use words that are literally harsh, yet in the context of friendship, they are considered normal. For example, calling someone "bodoh" (stupid) or "gila" (crazy) can be a sign of closeness. However, such greetings can lead to conflicts if used with people who do not understand the context. Therefore, it’s important for youth to understand the situation and the person they are speaking to before using such terms.

The Role of Social Media: Spreader or Preserver?

Undoubtedly, social media plays a huge role in spreading slang and alay language. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are fertile grounds for the emergence of new terms. Makassar youth quickly adopt and modify terms from various regions, creating a unique mix of language. However, this phenomenon also raises concerns about the erosion of regional and formal languages.

Local Figures: Between Pride and Challenges

Some local figures and academics in Makassar, such as Prof. Dr. Andi Zainal Abidin, emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between using slang and preserving regional languages. According to him, language is a cultural identity that must be protected. However, he also acknowledges that language evolution is inevitable. "What’s important is that we don’t lose our own linguistic identity," he said during a language seminar.

Conclusion: Between Laughter and Reflection

The slang language among Makassar youth is a reflection of creativity and cultural dynamics. While it can sometimes be confusing for older generations, this phenomenon shows how language continues to evolve over time. However, it’s important for all of us to keep our cultural roots and native languages intact, while also allowing space for the linguistic innovations brought by the younger generation. So, the next time you hear a new term that sounds odd, maybe it's time to learn and laugh together, while still appreciating the richness of the language we have.

Writer: Jumharia Djamereng