Ke Mopitori: A sociolinguistic analysis of slang expressions among the youth of Pretoria
Résumé
Slang, as a predominant form of informal language, has been widely used in Mabopane society for decades. This study investigates the sociolinguistics of slang among the youth of Mabopane, Pretoria, with a particular focus on the slang expressions they use, the reasons for their use, and the social contexts in which these expressions occur. Although slang plays a significant role in everyday communication and identity formation among young people, it remains an underexplored area in Sociolinguistics. Therefore, the study contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions on language variation, youth identity, and informal language practices in South African communities. A qualitative and quantitative research approach was used using questionnaires distributed through purposive sampling to youth participants in Mabopane. Of the 100 questionnaires distributed, 83 were completed and returned. A total of 349 slang expressions were collected and analysed thematically and sociolinguistically. The findings reveal that Mabopane youth use slang extensively to describe people, activities, emotions, social behaviours, and everyday experiences. Slang was found to serve various functions, including identity construction, group solidarity, secrecy, creativity, and social belonging. However, the study also found that excessive use of slang may negatively affect learners’ academic language proficiency and formal communication skills. The study recommends further research on the linguistic and structural features of Mabopane slang, broader documentation of slang expressions, and the compilation of a Mabopane Slang Dictionary. The study contributes to scholarship by expanding knowledge on youth language practices and highlighting the sociocultural significance of slang within South African township communities.
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