UNDERSTANDING TWEEN AND TEEN SLANG: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE ON ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Prodanovska-Poposka, Vesna (2026) UNDERSTANDING TWEEN AND TEEN SLANG: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE ON ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS. In: 6th International Conference Education Across Borders, Reimaging Education in the Modern Age, 3-4 October 2026, Faculty of Education-Bitola.

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Abstract

Language is constantly evolving, with slang serving as one of the most dynamic components of linguistic change.
Among tweens and teens, slang has become a defining feature of their social interactions, heavily influenced by
platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. For educators teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL),
understanding this linguistic phenomenon is crucial for bridging the gap between formal language instruction and
the informal communication styles students encounter daily. This study investigates the relationship between
tween and teen slang, social media language, English proficiency, and communication skills among 10- to 15-
year old students in North Macedonia. A survey was administered to all 119 students (grades 5-9) at a primary
school in Bitola – Republic of North Macedonia, to assess their familiarity with current slang terms, usage
patterns, and perceptions of how social media language affects their overall English proficiency and
communication abilities. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, word recognition and meaning,
familiarity and usage of slang, and open-ended reflections. Preliminary findings reveal initial insights into how
social media slang influences linguistic skills and communication strategies among young English language
learners. The results from this study can further serve to inform educators and policymakers about the evolving
nature of language acquisition in a digital age and guide the development of curricula that leverage social media
for language learning.
Keywords: Tween and Teen Slang, Social Media Language, English Proficiency, Communication Skills, EFL

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Humanities > Languages and literature
Divisions:	Faculty of Biotechnical Sciences
Depositing User:	Prof. d-r Vesna Prodanovska
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2026 13:38
Last Modified:	25 Mar 2026 13:38
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11463

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