THE DIGITAL DISCOURSE OF ADOLESCENTS IN KOSOVO: ALBANIAN-ENGLISH CODE-SWITCHING AND EMOTIONAL ENCODING

Abstract

In this paper, we will address the main elements of the digital discourse of adolescents in Kosovo, with particular attention to Albanian-English code-switching and the means of emotional encoding. The language used by adolescents does not have any specific rules of formation, but it is created by certain groups and used in certain places.

Given the intensive use of social networks and messaging applications, young people are inclined to create words or their own communication network by shortening words, taking words from foreign languages, combining elements of standard language, anglicisms, youth slang, expressing emotions through graphic signs such as emoji, accented punctuation and graphemic extensions.

The study will be based on qualitative research and analysis of adolescent communication on social networks in public comments and fragments of conversations provided voluntarily by groups of adolescents.

The research results show that code-switching and emotional encoding are not entirely random and unintentional. They are created for group identification and emotional expression.

The paper argues that digital communication with Albanian-English code-switching does not constitute a “degeneration” of the standard language but rather indicates a parallel communication system and functional evolution that is closely linked to youth identity and cultural globalization.