Linguistics and Literature Journal

A SEMANTIC STUDY OF GEN Z SLANG: USER PERCEPTIONS OF "SLAY," "CRINGE," AND "COOKED"

Ahmad Fahmi Idris — 2026-06-30

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has accelerated the transformation of youth slang, making it a significant subject for semantic inquiry. This study investigated the denotative and connotative meanings of three Generation Z slang words, "slay," "cringe," and "cooked" as perceived by active social media users. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data gathered through a structured ten-item questionnaire administered to three respondents aged 17 to 25 years who actively used TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The findings showed that all three words had undergone substantial transformation from their original literal meanings: "slay" shifted from denoting the act of killing to expressing exceptional performance or admirable appearance; "cringe" evolved from describing a physical recoiling motion to marking something socially embarrassing or awkward; and "cooked," while predominantly interpreted as describing a hopeless situation, revealed connotative ambiguity as two respondents associated it with impressiveness. Slang meaning was found to be shaped collectively by online communities rather than individual users, usage was restricted to informal communicative settings, and the degree of semantic shift was perceived as highly significant, with continued evolution anticipated. These findings advance the understanding of how lexical meaning is constructed and negotiated within digitally mediated youth communities.

MORPHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS IN CROSS-CULTURAL NEWS: UNPACKING WORD FORMATION STRATEGIES IN BBC.COM

Ahmad Rosikhul Fahmi — 2026-06-30

Online journalism serves as a primary vehicle for linguistic evolution, often utilizing creative morphological strategies to engage readers and describe diverse realities. However, limited research explores how these processes function within cultural feature articles to bridge cross-cultural concepts. This study analyzes the word formation processes employed in the BBC.com article titled “The anti-materialist Christmas: Rituals around the world that swap gifts for meaning”. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach, this research identifies, classifies, and interprets lexical items based on standard morphological theories. The findings reveal a strategic use of four distinct processes to achieve specific communicative goals. Derivation is predominantly used to construct the article’s ideological stance, while Compounding builds atmospheric imagery. Notably, Borrowing is extensively utilized to maintain cultural authenticity by retaining original terms like Jólabókaflóð and Hygge, whereas Clipping is employed to shift the narrative register. The study concludes that word formation in online news is not merely structural but acts as a vital stylistic device to convey cultural nuances effectively.

THE STRATEGY OF TRANSLATING BATAK CULTURAL TERMS IN THE ENGLISH SUBTITLE OF THE FILM NGERI-NGERI SEDAP

Alviedha Vielysha Frilly — 2026-06-30

This study addresses the critical challenge of preserving cultural identity in audiovisual translation, specifically focusing on the English subtitles of the film Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap. The research aims to identify the translation techniques applied to Batak cultural terms and evaluatetheir impact on audience acceptability. Using a qualitative case study approach, the researcher analyzed 20 data occurrences of Batak cultural terms within the film's dialogue. The data were classified according to Molina and Albir’s (2002) framework and assessed based on their ability to maintain sociocultural accuracy. The findings reveal that Adaptation is the most dominant technique (55%), followed by Borrowing (20%). While these strategies prioritize reading fluency, the analysis highlights a significant loss of cultural depth. Specifically, the overuse of Adaptation for kinship terms like Tulang and Oppung erodes the complex Batak social system by reducing it to generic English equivalents. This study concludes that the use of the Amplification technique is an essential obligation rather than a mere choice to prevent the loss of sociocultural foundations. These results contribute to the field of translation studies by providing guidelines for more culturally responsible subtitling of regional languages.

SEXUAL OPPRESSIONS AGAINST WOMEN IN LUSTER NOVEL BY RAVEN LEILANI 2020

Rinkan Nur Wulan — 2026-06-30

This thesis explores the theme of sexual oppression against women as portrayed in Raven Leilani’s Luster (2020). Using Patricia Hill Collins’ Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory, the study examines how the main character, Edie, experiences oppression in the form of sexual violence, fetishization, and workplace exploitation. Through qualitative textual analysis, the research highlights how overlapping factors of race, gender, class, and age shape Edie’s vulnerability and limither agency. The findings show that oppression in the novel is not only enacted through intimate relationships but also reinforced by professional and socialstructures, reflecting the systemic inequalities faced by many women of color. At the same time, the study analyzes how Edie navigates and resists these oppressions, revealing strategies of endurance and survival in response to intersecting pressures. By centering Edie’s narrative, this thesis contributes to discussions on sexual oppression and demonstrates how contemporary fiction can critique structural inequalities while amplifying marginalized voices.

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE FILM EMANCIPATION BY ANTOINE FUQUA (2022)

Adela Theresia Manuela Bui — 2026-06-30

This study examined the representation of racial discrimination and resistance experienced by African Americans as depicted in the film Emancipation (2022). The topic is significant as the film reflects historical and social realities of racial oppression that continue to influence contemporary discussions on race and inequality. The study aimed to identify the forms of racial discrimination portrayed in the film and to explain how the main character, Peter, resisted such discrimination. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, with data collected from selected scenes and dialogues that illustrated acts of oppression and resistance. The analysis revealed that the film depicted two main forms of racial discrimination: individual discrimination, shown through verbal abuse and physical violence, and institutional discrimination, represented by the legalized and systematic practice of slavery. In addition, the findings demonstrated that Peter exhibited several forms of resistance, including refusing submission, escaping captivity, and actively confronting his oppressors. His transformation from an enslaved man into a soldier symbolized not only his personal struggle for freedom but also the collective resistance of African Americans against racial oppression. Overall, the study concluded that Emancipation presented racial discrimination as a deeply rooted system of oppression while emphasizing resistance as a powerful response to injustice and dehumanization.

AN ANALYSIS OF COORDINATION AND SUBORDINATION IN TAYLOR SWIFT’S SONG BACK TO DECEMBER

Cesie Septiani Dewanti — 2026-06-30

This study aims to analyze the use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in Taylor Swift's song "Back to December". The focus of this study is to identify, classify, and determine the most dominant types of conjunctions used, as well as explain their contribution to the syntactic structure and emotional meaning in the song lyrics. This study uses a mixed method that combines two methods, namely qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method is used to identify and categorize conjunctions found in the lyrics, while the quantitative method is used to calculate the frequency of their use. The results show that coordinating conjunctions are used more frequently than subordinating conjunctions. The most dominant coordinating conjunction is "and", which functions to connect ideas sequentially and express emotional continuity. Meanwhile, the dominant subordinating conjunctions used such as "because", "when", and "if" function to form logical and conditional relationships between clauses. The use of these conjunctions not only strengthens syntactic cohesion but also contributes to creating a consistent flow of emotions throughout the song lyrics. Thus, the syntactic structure in the lyrics of the song "Back to December" is not only linguistically coherent but also plays an important role in building grammatical harmony and emotional expression.

WINE, URBAN CULTURE, AND SOCIAL CRITICISM IN ABU NUWAS’S ABBASID POETRY

Devi Banyu Maulid — 2026-06-30

This study examines how wine imagery in Abu Nuwas's poetry reflects urban culture and functions as social criticism in Abbasid Baghdad. Abu Nuwas (c. 756–814 CE) is one of the most celebrated poets of classical Arabic literature, renowned for his khamriyyat (wine poetry). While his wine poems are often read as celebrations of hedonism, this study argues that they serve a more complex cultural function. Using New Historicism as the theoretical framework, this qualitative research analyzes eight selected poems through close reading. The findings reveal that wine imagery operates on multiple levels: representing the cosmopolitan character of Baghdad, negotiating religious authority, exposing social contradictions, and revealing the tension between worldly pleasure and spiritual consciousness. The tavern emerges as a micro-cosmopolitan space where religious and cultural boundaries are crossed. Wine becomes a literary lens through which Abu Nuwas diagnoses and critiques the fragmented nature of Abbasid urban society. This study contributes to the understanding of how classical Arabic poetry engaged with urban experience and social critique, offering insights into the relationship between literature and society in medieval Islamic civilization.

NETIZENS’ ASSERTIVE SPEECH ACTS IN INDONESIAN AND FILIPINO CELEBRITIES’ INSTAGRAM COMMENT SECTIONS

Anak Agung Ari Purnami — 2026-06-30

This study examines the use of assertive speech acts by netizens in two celebrities’ Instagram comment sections from different countries: Nikita Mirzani, an Indonesian actress with a controversial public image, and Christian Bautista, a Filipino singer widely recognized for his positive reputation. The main objective of this research is to identify the function of assertive speech acts employed by netizens when responding to the posts uploaded by both celebrities. Using a qualitative approach, the data were collected from one Instagram post from each celebrity featuring their daily life activities and analyzed based on Searle & Vanderveken, 1985, classification of speech acts. The findings reveal that evaluation was the most dominant function of assertive speech acts used by netizens in both Instagram accounts. However, there were differences in the focus of assertive speech act use between the two accounts. In Nikita Mirzani’s account, netizens tended to use assertive speech acts related to her personal life, family relationships, and public image. In contrast, comments on Christian Bautista’s account primarily focused on the activities presented in the post.

SOUND PATTERNING AND MEANING CONSTRUCTION IN LEAVES OF GRASS: SONG OF MYSELF A PHONO-STYLISTIC ANALYSIS

Roma Ito Br Pane — 2026-06-30

This study aims to analyse how sound patterning contributes to meaning construction in Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass through a phono-stylistic approach. The study addresses the limited attention given to phonological features as a meaning-making mechanism, since previous research has focused mainly on thematic and lexical aspects. Employing a qualitative method supported by quantitative sound-frequency analysis, the study examines selected lines from Song of Myself. Data were collected through close reading and phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The analysis focuses on consonants, vowels, alliteration, assonance, consonance, repetition, and phonological foregrounding (Simpson, 2004; Leech & Short, 2007). The findings show that soft consonants support themes of harmony and unity, while plosive consonants reinforce identity construction. Long vowels enhance musicality and reflection, whereas repetition and parallelism emphasize key ideas. The study concludes that sound patterning functions not only aesthetically but also semantically in constructing poetic meaning.

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE BROOKLYN NINE-NINE MOVIE SERIES

Muhammad Zidan Asidiqi — 2026-06-30

This study looks at idiomatic expressions in dialogues of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Movie Series. I want to find idioms, classify them into pure, semi, and literal idioms, and explain their meaning in context. The research uses qualitative observation by watching episodes carefully and writing down idiomatic expressions. The study shows that idioms are used to convey humour, feelings, and natural conversation. Understanding context is very important because the meaning is often different from the literal meaning. This study shows the role of idioms in making spoken English more natural and expressive, and provides help for English learners and a guide for future research about idioms in TV shows.

TRAUMA IN THE FILM THE GIRL WHO ESCAPED: THE KARA ROBINSON STORY BY SIMONE STOCK (2023)

Wiwin Nia Rismayanti — 2026-06-30

This study is entitled Trauma in the Film The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story by Simone Stock (2023). This study aims to analyzes trauma in the film The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story (2023). This research focuses on two main objectives: (1) to find out how trauma is portrayed in Simone Stock's The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story, and (2) to analyze how the main character struggles to get out of her trauma in the film. This research uses Judith Herman's (1992) theory of trauma and recovery as the main theoretical framework and employs descriptive qualitative methods to analyze data from scenes and dialogues in the film. The findings show that the depiction of trauma includes three main reactions: hyperarousal, intrusion, and constriction. This research also describes how Kara deals with the trauma through three stages of recovery: safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection. Her journey not only represents personal psychological resilience but also demonstrates the ability of survivors to transform traumatic experiences into strengths that allow them to regain control of their future.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF INDONESIAN FIRST LANGUAGE SUPPORT IN VOCABULARY LEARNING AT ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Einsa Luckyani — 2026-06-30

The study investigated the role of the Indonesian first language in supporting English vocabulary acquisition among university students. The study purpose was to examine how learners perceived the use of their native language in vocabulary learning, to identify its benefits and disadvantages, and to determine effective applications in classroom pedagogy. The employed method was a survey, with the subject being English Department undergraduate students who provided the data regarding their experience and preference. The findings revealed that the majority of students viewed Indonesian first language (L1) usage as a positive influence, with 83 per cent reporting that it aided comprehension of difficult vocabulary and 93 per cent agreeing that a combination of first language (L1) and second language (L2) use was the most effective approach. However, 33 per cent expressed concern that over-reliance on their first language reduced exposure to English. The study concluded that the most effective approach is the selective application of the first language for complex or abstract vocabulary, while maintaining English as the primary medium of instruction.

A WORD FORMATION ANALYSIS OF RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER NAMES IN THE WEST AREA OF BSD CITY

Nur Arofah — 2026-06-30

This study aims to analyze the types of word formation processes and the meanings found in the residential cluster names in the western area of BSD city. The writer used Yule’s theory (2020) to analyze the data. A descriptive-qualitative approach was used to explain the data textually. A total of 32 residential cluster names were identified and categorized into 7 out of 10 words formation processes: borrowing, which consists of 9 data; compounding, which consists of 7 data; derivation, which consists of 3 data; blending, which consists of 3 data; coinage, which consists of 7 data; multiple processes, which consists of 2 data; and clipping, which consists of 1 data. Meanwhile, three other word formation processes, backformation, conversion, and acronym, were not found in this study. All 32 cluster names analyzed indicate associative meanings. This study showcases the innovative use of the word formation process to illustrate the connection between language and the image of the cluster. This study can also serve as a reference for other developers and marketers in creating catchy names with strong meaning associations through word formation processes.

BEAUTY MYTH IN THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL BY PAUL FEIG (2022)

Dinda Amelia Resty Fauzi — 2026-06-30

This article discusses the portrayal of beauty standards experienced by the main character in the film The School for Good and Evil (2022). The story shows how beauty is socially constructed through appearance, behavior, and moral expectations imposed on the characters, especially Agatha, who is considered unsuitable for the School for Good because of her physical appearance. Using a descriptive qualitative method, this study analyzes selected scenes and dialogues through narrative elements to reveal how the beauty myth operates in the film. This research applies Sandra Bartky’s feminist theory of beauty oppression (1990) as the main theoretical framework to explain how beauty standards discipline women’s bodies and identities. The findings show that the beauty myth in the film is portrayed through stereotyping, social exclusion, and moral labelling. At the same time, the main character deals with these pressures by rejecting norms of physical beauty, prioritising empathy and loyalty, and redefining beauty in terms of inner values.

ANXIETY IN THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THE FILM BOYKA: UNDISPUTED IV

Muhamad Nur Hadi — 2026-06-30

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological issues represented in literary works because it influences human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This study aimed to analyze how anxiety was depicted and how defense mechanisms were portrayed in the main character of Boyka: Undisputed IV. The study employed a qualitative research design using film analysis. The data consisted of dialogues, scenes, and character actions that reflected psychological conflict and were analyzed using Sigmund Freud's theory of anxiety and Anna Freud's theory of defense mechanisms. The results showed that the main character experienced three types of anxiety: realistic anxiety, neurotic anxiety, and moral anxiety, with moral anxiety emerging as the dominant form due to feelings of guilt and moral responsibility. The analysis also revealed five defense mechanisms employed by the main character, namely regression, reaction formation, undoing, introjection, and turning against the self, as unconscious strategies to cope with emotional conflict. It was concluded that anxiety and defense mechanisms were closely interconnected, as the psychological pressure experienced by the main character unconsciously triggered various defense mechanisms throughout the film. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the representation of psychological conflict in film through a psychoanalytic perspective.

REPRESENTATION OF DEPRESSION IN ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE BY GAIL HONEYMAN

Filza Yunita — 2026-06-30

This study examines how depression is portrayed through the main character, Eleanor Oliphant, in Gail Honeyman's novel, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. The focus of this study is to examine the forms of depression experienced by Eleanor and how she gradually attempts to cope with and recover from this condition. This study uses a literary psychology approach, with Beck and Alford's (2009) theory of depression as the basis for analysis. The method used is descriptive qualitative, analyzing narratives and dialogues related to the main character's psychological state. The results show that Eleanor's depression is manifested through prolonged feelings of loneliness, difficulty establishing social relationships, and behaviors influenced by past traumatic experiences. The novel also demonstrates that recovery from depression does not occur instantly, but rather through a gradual process involving emotional awareness, therapeutic support, and the presence of meaningful social relationships.

AN ANALYSIS OF DIVINE AND EARTHLY LOVE IN SELECTED OTTOMAN POEMS

Zulfa Zahrotuljannah — 2026-06-30

Ottoman poetry is celebrated for its deep symbolism, mystical themes, and extensive investigation of love, especially in relation to the Sufi tradition. Among the poets of the Ottoman era, Yunus Emre holds a pivotal role due to his focus on spiritual experiences, dedication to the divine, and humanistic principles conveyed through his verses. The purpose of this study is to examine both divine and earthly love in specific poems by Yunus Emre. This research utilizes a qualitative descriptive approach grounded in literary analysis. The data comprises ten carefully chosen poems by Yunus Emre, which are scrutinized through detailed reading and textual evaluation. The results indicate that divine love manifests through spiritual commitment, awareness of oneself, a yearning for communion with God, and transcendent experiences. In contrast, earthly love is depicted as human warmth, empathy, camaraderie, and societal harmony. Moreover, the research illustrates that the themes of divine and earthly love in Yunus Emre's work are intricately linked, with human affection often acting as a route to achieving divine love. Consequently, Yunus Emre's poetry embodies not only individual feelings but also profound spiritual and philosophical ideals that are anchored in the Ottoman Sufi heritage.

THE AESTHETICS OF IRONY: POST-STRUCTURALIST READING OF AL-FARAZDAQ’S POLITICAL PERSONA

Rafi Haidar Akhdani — 2026-06-30

This study explored the intersection of medieval Arabic political discourse and modern critical theory by analyzing the programmatic poetry (Naqa'idh) of Al-Farazdaq during the Umayyad Caliphate. While classical literary criticism primarily evaluated his work through rigid socio-historical or purely grammatical frameworks, this research applied a post-structuralist lens to deconstruct the semantic stability of his verses. The objective of this study was to investigate how Al-Farazdaq utilized complex diction and metaphor not merely as stable instruments for political panegyric or ideological propaganda, but as dynamic sites of linguistic irony that implicitly disrupted the absolute authority of the ruling elite. Employing a qualitative-descriptive research design rooted in textual deconstruction, the study scrutinized selected poetic fragments to identify underlying systemic contradictions, aporias, and shifts in signification. The major findings revealed that Al-Farazdaq’s metaphors of political legitimacy frequently subverted their own surface-level assertions, creating a deep textual tension where overt praise and structural subversion operated simultaneously. The study concluded that the intense pressures of operating under imperial patronage catalyzed advanced aesthetic ironies within the text, demonstrating that classical Arabic political poetry possessed a fluid, multi-layered plurality of meaning that resisted dogmatic categorization.