NOTICE
OF THESIS EXAM
Rivan Ray Markus
202100010006
Juli 30,
2024, 1:00 PM
Building C, Room 706
Adviser : Christine
Manara, Ph.D.
Examiners : Dr. Engliana, M.Hum. & Yanti, Ph.D.
Title
CONSTRUCTION OF SEXUAL IDENTITY THROUGH RECONTEXTUALIZATION
AND TACTICS OF INTERSUBJECTIVITY IN ONLINE INTERACTIONS
Abstract
This study investigates the
construction of sexual identities, specifically gay identity, through
recontextualization of the gay slangs or lingos, and the tactics of intersubjectivity
in online interactions on Twitter. Building on the theoretical frameworks of
intersubjective identity construction, recontextualization of language use in
speech community, and social media interactions, the research explores how
specific linguistic practice facilitate the identification and negotiation of
gay identities in a digital space. The focal point of the study is the concept
of recontextualization of gay slangs or lingos, in which linguistic expression
are extracted from one context and recontextualized in another, while
interacting with other online users, allowing for the creation and assertion
identities in online interactions.
The data includes 200 Tweets
collected from Twitter. The study employs Twitter Advanced Search, NCapture,
and NVivo to collect and analyze data on the use of Twitter slangs in
constructing sexual identity. Twitter Advanced Search facilitates the retrieval
of specific tweets by keywords, phrases, or hashtags within set date ranges.
NCapture, a browser extension, is used to capture tweets for research purposes,
allowing for context-rich datasets. These datasets are imported into NVivo, a
qualitative data analysis software, for coding and detailed analysis. This
methodological approach ensures a comprehensive examination of how Twitter
slangs or linogs are used in identity construction through the process of
recontextualization.
The findings show that the
process involves the use of specific slangs or lingos that are deeply embedded
in the gay male subculture and are recontextualized in the online sphere. The
specific lingos examined in this research such as “slay”, “serve”, “ate” and
“mother” are not only linguistic markers but tools for negotiating and aligning
meanings among user, thereby constructing a shared identity and experience.
In conclusion, the
recontextualization of these slangs or lingos in online interactions
illustrates the role of their use in affirming and signaling gay sexual
identity. By embracing and popularizing these lingos in online space, the
members of the community not only assert their identities but also create a
shared social and cultural lexical feature that promotes their identity online.
Through language, online environment such as Twitter plays a vital room where
individuals identify as gay or a member of LGBTQ community, can express
themselves authentically, form connections, and contribute to the modification
of gay language expression.
Keywords:
Recontextualization, tactics of intersubjectivity, identity construction,
online interaction