The Use Of Slang And Its Influence On Social Identity In The Film ‘Dilan 1999’

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the use of slang language and its influence on social identity in the film “Dilan 1990”. The film, adapted from the popular novel by Pidi Baiq, depicts teenage life in Bandung in the late 1980s, with the main character Dilan who is famous for his unique style of speech and behavior. This study uses a qualitative approach with content analysis to explore how the characters' use of slang in this movie reflects and shapes their social identity. The results show that the use of slang in “Dilan 1990” not only functions as a communication tool, but also as a symbol of group identity and a means of cultural expression. The use of distinctive slang helps create uniqueness and togetherness among the characters, as well as strengthen their social relationships. The study also found that slang can influence the audience's perception of the characters, either positively or negatively, depending on the context and prevailing cultural values. These findings highlight the importance of language as a key element in social identity formation and social interaction, particularly in the context of popular culture and youth-oriented media representation in contemporary Indonesian society.