Social Media Slang Use Among Bilingual Turkish Adults : Motivations, Adaptation, and Influence

This study investigates the patterns and motivations behind social media slang usage among 27 bilingual Turkish medical professionals residing in Sweden. The research, utilizing data collected through a questionnaire, challenges traditional sociolinguistic perspectives, such as those by Labov (1972), which associate non-standard language forms like slang with lower-status groups. The findings reveal a significant adoption of slang among these professionals, primarily in informal settings on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, to enhance social interactions and express ideas concisely. This challenges the notion that slang is predominantly associated with younger or less educated individuals. The study further explores the diverse motivations behind slang usage, including fostering casual communication and expressing ideas efficiently. The research also touches upon the influence of interactions with native English speakers on slang usage, highlighting the dynamic nature of language acquisition and adaptation in digital environments. By focusing on the social and practical aspects of slang usage, this study provides valuable insights into how bilingual individuals, even those in prestigious professions, navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of English slang in the context of social media.