Code Mixing in Language Style Development Among Teenagers

By : Debriyawati S. Karim ; Supervised By:  Muziatun, S.Pd, M.App. Ling, PhD

As time goes by, language continues to evolve, bringing about cultural and social changes. The use of elements from two or more languages in a conversation or sentence is becoming more common among teenagers today. This phenomenon is called code-mixing. Nababan (1984) states that, code-mixing occurs when people mix two or more languages in speech acts or discourse without being forced to do so (Harya 2018). This shows the flexibility and how language changes in everyday life.

According to Holmes (2013) code-mixing is not only the ability to speak two languages, but also relates to social dynamics, cultural identity, and interactions in everyday life. This article aims to study the use of code-mixing between English and Indonesian among teenagers, focusing on university students. The method used was a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with several students.

The interviews showed that code mixing became part of their language style to show language skills. Among teenagers, code mixing facilitates communication and allows for wider self-expression. There are several factors that support the use of code mixing among them, namely, the influence of the social environment, social media and education. Here are some findings from the interview:

Code Mixing and Teenage Language Style

In today's modern era, code mixing has become a phenomenon that is commonly found among young people, especially with the Z generation. They are more likely to use code mixing when communicating with friends in everyday life. This is formed because of their environment that supports the use of mixed languages, both in social and educational contexts. In addition, lecturers who often use English in learning also encourage code mixing. Therefore, mixing English and Indonesian becomes common in their daily communication.  

Motivation Behind the Use of Code Mixing

The main motivation in using code mixing in their communication is to make it easier to convey messages. Sometimes, there are expressions in Indonesian that can be more concise if using English, thus making communication more efficient. By using code mixing more often, vocabulary will increase so that language skills become wider and more varied.

Media and Technology Play a Role in the Use of Code Mixing

According to them, social media is very influential on language styles. There is a lot of educational content and new terms in English that often appear on social media, making them familiar with the use of the language. Interaction with various English content on various platforms causes them to become more familiar and comfortable using it.

The Effect of Code Mixing on Formal and Academic Contexts

The use of code mixing in learning has an impact on the way they communicate both academically and formally. They often use code mixing between English and Indonesian in a sentence or conversation. This practice enriches their vocabulary and affects their language skills.

Social Response to Code Mixing

Reactions from family and friends to adolescents' language styles are quite diverse. In the friendship environment, they do not get criticized because their friendship environment uses code mixing on average. The use of code mixing is considered normal and accepted. In the family environment, they get support because family members feel proud of the ability to use two languages at the same time. Family members feel that it is a good thing when they can communicate in Indonesian and English fluently.