GETTING THE HANG OF GEN Z SLANG: CONVO AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING LUNCH BREAK

Education, English Language

Generation Z is the youngest generation in the world. These individuals were born between the years 1996 and 2009. They are also known as digital natives because they are the first generation to have grown up with and be accustomed to technological advances. As they interact within their social groups, their language and behavior begin to develop in a manner that is distinct from that of previous generations. These differences occasionally cause communication gaps among other generations. Hence, understanding how Gen Z learners communicate and interact is helpful for teachers, school administrators, and policymakers in designing more effective instructional settings. Moreover, it provides insight into their preferences, challenges, and strengths as learners. This is a descriptive study that used the qualitative method. Discourse analysis was used to determine the common Gen Z slang used by Grade 10-Junior High School students of Tangalan National High School, S.Y. 2022-2023. Student conversations during lunch break were used as the corpora for this study. Meanwhile, observation and audio recording were employed to collect data and examine the meanings and functions of slangs. The study also identified patterns in how slang evolves within peer groups. This study revealed that Generation Z's slang has undergone specific and multiple morphological processes that reflect its digital culture. It was also determined that although using these slangs helps students speak a language with confidence, it does not guarantee improvements in language fluency, communication skills, or vocabulary. These slangs may hinder effective communication, especially between students and teachers of older generations. However, teachers may utilize these slangs creatively to bridge generational gaps and enhance student engagement.

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