THE ROLE OF SLANG, JARGON, AND SOCIOLECTS IN SHAPING URBAN YOUTH IDENTITY

Language functions not only as a system of communication but also as a powerful medium through which individuals interpret themselves and others within society. Among urban youth, informal and group-based linguistic practices such as slang, jargon, and sociolects play a central role in expressing identity, negotiating belonging, and navigating social environments. This paper examines how these forms of language operate within urban youth communities and how they contribute to identity formation. Using a mixed-method research design that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study explores everyday communication patterns and their social meanings. The findings suggest that youth language is not random or superficial; rather, it is deeply connected to cultural practices[10], peer interaction, and digital communication. These linguistic forms reflect both individual creativity and collective identity, revealing the dynamic relationship between language and social life in urban settings.