E3S Web of Conferences 388, 04010 (2023) https://doi.org/10.

1051/e3sconf/202338804010
ICOBAR 2022

Gaming Language as a Language Variations in Digital

Humanities
Furianto1*, and Risa Rumentha Simanjuntak1†
1
English Department, Faculty of Humanities, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia 11480

Abstract. This study examined the language used by players in the online game Valorant. Gaming language
develops massively as a digital way of living. In digital humanities, variation in virtual communication needs
to be considered an essential milestone in language development. This study investigated in specific the use
of slang, which identified a particular community. There were two goals of this study first, to determine the
slang words used by players during the game, and second to examine the function of these slang words. Data
for this study were collected during one month of the consecutive game, including screenshots and recording
of sessions. Results showed four categories of slang words used by Valorant players, with acronyms and
clippings used more frequently (42,50% for each category) than other slang words. Players used these slang
words to convey emotional and tactical messages. These functions were identified, including disapproval,
criticism, support, and praises. It was concluded that the new slang words showed language used in gaming
as a phenomenon in digital humanities. Implications for future research were also discussed for further
development of digital culture and digital humanities.

1 Introduction Slang is a common term or phrase that is often used

in communication between friends or people who are
Communication in digital humanities is essential familiar with one another [1]. Slang is unsuitable and
because it can trigger significants developments in many inappropriate for formal situations and is generally not
aspects of life. The nature of gaming as a digital culture used in proper communication; moreover, slang is only
has changed throughout time. Gaming used to be used in informal conversation and is not acceptable in
something people did to pass the time, but today it can academic works. Even though slang is not taught in
be used to compete in tournaments or even make a living schools or universities since schools and universities
as a streamer on a platform. Gaming impacts language emphasize formal language, slang does not make its
as well, such as the way new words and their meanings reality authentic; yet it is generally acknowledged
are introduced into the language. The digital humanities among young people. Because the use of slang is
may be defined as an academic field concerned with expanding faster than ordinary English, research on
transmitting knowledge through communication slang is substantially more interesting to do. It provides
channels. justifications and justifications for proceeding and
Communication is the exchange of messages as data encourages analysis of terminology. Due to the
or ideas between a message sender, referred to as a predominance of slang, the designer was intrigued to
communicator, and the message recipient, referred to as decipher the slang terms used in the chat section of the
the communicant, either directly or implicitly via media. online first-person-shooter game Valorant.
Communication is very effective in public action; Several previous research has been reviewed for this
communication aims to provide others with expanded research opportunity. The researcher attempts this to
knowledge, to stimulate thinking, and to pass on compare similar studies and find out the research. The
discernments. While delivering a message, you should first previous research reviewed by [2] used a qualitative
have the choice of speaking and where the meaning of approach to find out the types of slang language are used
each word you say should be evident to others. An in social media by English Department Students of
excellent communicator can position himself in Universitas Pancasakti Tegal. The study also attempted
response to natural circumstances or persons in their to find out the reasons for using slang language. The
immediate vicinity. Without a doubt, communication second previous research is research that analyzes slang
cannot be coordinated with the manner in which each words produced by the community in the WhatsApp
person is addressed. Thus, the layout is supposed to aid group by [3]. This previous research tried to find the
the communicator in conveying their objectives to the kind of slang words used by the Indonesian Hunters
other individual in a more efficient manner. English Club member on the WhatsApp group social

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

† Corresponding author: [email protected]

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
E3S Web of Conferences 388, 04010 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202338804010
ICOBAR 2022

media based on Allan and Burridge’s theory. Compared disruption of a person's employment and education [6].
to these two studies, this research also used the Besides, multiple research projects have been conducted
descriptive qualitative method to analyze the data. on the harmful effects of problematic and addicted
Furthermore, both previous researchs used social media online game playing on several cognitive functions,
to analyze the slang language. However, this research most notably decision-making and inhibition as well as
has a different object which is using an Online game as the sense of time over several seconds [7].
an object. Additionally, the research data collection is The first first-person shooter (FPS) game that has
also quite different from the two previous research. In been documented was released in 1973 [8]. First-person
this research, the data collection is a real-time shooter games are intended to draw players into violent
observation of language instead of collecting language virtual actions on a more personal level. First-person
usage in use in the social media domain. shooter games have developed into multiplayer online
This study aims to determine the frequency with first-person shooter (MMOFPS) games. In recent years,
which certain kinds of slang phrases are used in the the rise of online gaming content production, online
game chat feature of the Online First-Person Shooting game broadcasting, and e-sports have transformed
Game Valorant. Additionally, the study will be MMOFPS from a recreational activity into a potentially
restricted to Valorant users that utilize the chat feature. profitable long-term vocation.
Moreover, the author conducted this study to Gaming as a method of learning is a pedagogical
accomplish the research's objective and purpose and technique that involves the use of video games in
show that online gaming does not only deal with the educational settings, and students can get immersed in
game but in the game brings together many people, thus instructional content and topics in a dynamic,
forming a new language phenomenon in online games. entertaining, and fun manner because of the motivating
Besides, slang in the Online First-Person Shooting psychology that is involved in game-based learning [9].
Valorant can deliver an information efficiently and Gaming as a method of learning is more than just
building a trust to win the game. Many earlier studies creating games for students to play; it is also generating
were related to this research issue, although the majority interactive learning activities that may progressively
of them utilized this topic to evaluate slang in social impart ideas and direct students towards a final objective
media and films. It enables individuals to understand [10]. Gaming as learning method may be defined as a
how slang phrases are used in the online First Person teaching approach that enables students to explore
Shooter Valorant and provides insight into how slang various aspects of games as a form of learning to help
words may be examined using different theories. This them improve their set of abilities or reach particular
study will concentrate on the analysis of slang terms learning objectives. It can be defined as follows: For all
used in the chat feature of the Online First-Person of these reasons, the design of instructional software to
Shooting Game Valorant. be used in schools should be created, and based on game
design approaches and techniques is quickly gaining
favor among those working in the field of educational
1.1 Objectives
technology.
The author developed two problem formulations for this Gamification refers to the technique of incorporating
study based on the subject. The two problem games into the learning process. Online learning is less
formulations are as follows: successful during a pandemic, and this gamification
1. What slang terms do Valorant players use while method encourages students to become more engaged in
chatting through in-game chat? their studies at that time. Other than acting as media for
2. What functions do Valorant players utilize slang recreation and passing time, game can also be used as a
language while chatting through in-game chat? media to teach and learn. This process of teaching and
learning through the game is known as gamification.
The term gamification in this research refers to the
2 Literature Review instructive strategy and approach of combining
amusement plans & components with learning strategies
A game is a systematic kind of play that is generally to motivate the understudies & impact their conduct.
conducted for pleasure or enjoyment; however, it may This approach centers on an engagement with students
also be utilized as an instructional tool in some instances to extend their intrigued and inspiration for examining
[4]. Games are sometimes played only for fun, and other by making it a fun and engaging preparation. Both
times for accomplishment or cash reward. They may be learning and playing have a few comparable
played alone, in groups, or online by amateurs and components in which they both require time to
professional athletes. Furthermore, online gaming is a memorize and are a fulfilling handle for the members.
popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and In gaming, the accomplishment & remunerate change,
genders worldwide, and it is prevalent among teenagers but it gives the members a sense of accomplishment,
[5]. Playing online games can also have a good influence whereas in examining, the achievement is much more
and a bad influence on people. The amount of research concrete in the form of scores [11].
being done on the negative impacts of gaming has risen A Language is a tool used to communicate with
(). The result is that several potentially harmful others to express ideas and feelings. Language is often
characteristics of online gaming have been identified. used to debate a subject or convey information from one
These include decreased social skills and society to another. Language is a system that humans
aggressiveness, decreased family connection, and use to communicate with one another. Language is

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constantly evolving due to social situations and Used by English Department Student of Universitas
individual needs [12]. Additionally, language is spoken Pancasakti Tegal.” This research uses a qualitative
by everyone in the world, and it may evolve through method. The research tries to find the types of slang
time based on the needs of the people who use it. language used in social media by English Department
Standard and non-standard forms of language exist. Students of Universitas Pancasakti Tegal and find out
Language diversity is possible depending on one's social the reasons for using slang language. The second
position, low or high, which often uses formal or casual previous research analyzes slang words produced by the
language [13]. Additionally, slang refers to the linguistic community in the WhatsApp group by [3]. This
diversity that exists. previous research tried to find the type of slang words
Pragmatics is the study of structural language that is used by the Indonesian Hunters English Club member
used in communication between gamers and other on the WhatsApp group social media based on Allan and
players. By knowing the contextual background, Burridge's theory. The writer found five categories of
pragmatics can see the relation of language within a slang words, and the dominant type is the imitative type.
topic [14]. The context referred to in pragmatics focuses The author uses the descriptive qualitative method. The
on the meaning of the word in communication and how previous research and this research have different
gamers convey information to other players. The objects, and this research uses an Online game as an
definition gamers give in contact depends on the object. However, the previous research used social
knowledge assumed to exist in other players and media as an object.
gamers. In Pragmatics, Slang is considered a dialect of A game is a systematic kind of play made for
the English language used in casual conversation and by pleasure, as an instructional tool, for accomplishment,
teens as well. Slang refers to the words and phrases used or as a cash reward that can have a good and bad
in everyday conversation between teens and another influence on people. Gaming as a method of learning is
group [1]. Slang is often used by those who are already a pedagogical technique that involves using video
acquainted or by those who want to increase the games in educational settings. The technique of
intimacy of their connection. Additionally, slang incorporating fun into the learning process is known as
demonstrates the notion of grouping (i.e., categories of Gamification. Gaming impacts language as well, such
slang). as the way new words and their meanings are introduced
Categories of slang words are arranged into five into the language. A language is a tool used to
different categories i.e., the creative and fresh category, communicate with others to express ideas and feelings.
imitative category, flippant category, clipping category, The study of structural language that is used in
and acronym category [12]. First is the Imitative communication between gamers and other players is
Category, based on the Standard English (SE) word, known as Pragmatics. The context referred to in
which is formed by merging two different words and pragmatics focuses on the word's meaning in contact
conveying a various meaning. One such example is the and how gamers convey information to other players. In
term "going to," which is derived from two other words: Pragmatics, Slang is considered a dialect of the English
"going to" and "going to" [15]. Second, Creative and language used in casual conversation and by teens.
Fresh Category, the creative and fresh category refers to
slang speech that demonstrates flair, inventiveness,
novel language, casual variation, brand-new terms, and 3 Data Collection
unfamiliar terminology [15]. A guy is an example of this The data gathering approach for this study was
slang term. The term "dude" (noun) refers to an determined by reviewing some existing studies. Finding
individual man or a guy. The third is the flippant media related to this issue is the second reason for this
category, which comprises a collection of words that do research. This study employs the first person-shooting
not interact with expressions of substantial significance. game Valorant as the media after having some
For example, if you say, "calm down a notch," this experience with the game. This study collects data by
indicates "take things slowly. Fourth, Clipping Category playing a Valorant game and looking up slang terms
which is a term that refers to the process of reducing the using the game chat feature to get relevant data to assist
length of words while maintaining their meaning. For the research. The data for this research will be gathered
example, the term "ad" refers to "advertisement," and is over a month by playing the online first-person shooting
often used in casual discussion but is unacceptable in game Valorant. Additionally, this study will document
official conversation [16]. Lastly, an Acronym Category the obtained data for analysis and gather essential data
is a word formed by taking each word’s first of first from the game chat feature to perform the research.
letter and grouping them to create a group combination. Furthermore, to accomplish the research objectives,
An example of an acronym is ASAP, which stands for this study will begin by analyzing slang terms to
as soon as possible. On the other hand, functions of determine their category and function. The research
slang words are arranged into seven different functions started by randomly gathering data from players'
i.e., to address, to initiate relax conversation, to interactions in the game chat feature of the online first-
humiliate, to form an intimate atmosphere, to express person shooter Valorant. After collecting sufficient data,
impression, to reveal anger, and to show intimacy [2]. this research will begin categorizing and analyzing the
Previous research is an attempt by researchers to find slang phrases found in the game chat function of the
comparisons and then find new inspiration for further online first-person shooter Valorant. Following that, this
research. First previous research by [2] titled “A research will identify and examine the roles of slang
Descriptive Study on Slang Language on Social Media

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words in the game chat feature of the online first-person The term 'cuz' is slang for "because," while the word
shooter Valorant. 'cause' was originally used to indicate "because." Over
time, the slang for this word underwent a linguistic
transformation that resulted in the term cuz.
4 Results and Discussion
According to the findings of this study, there are four 4.3 Creative and Fresh Category
kinds of slang words in the Valorant game's in-game
chat feature. Acronym category has seventeen data The category of creative and fresh slang speech includes
points, Clipping category has seventeen data points, slang speech that has flare inventiveness, brand-new
Creative and Fresh category has five data points, and language, casual variation, brand-new terms, and old
Imitative Category has a single data point. Because the words that people are unfamiliar with. The term 'kekw'
slang words correspond to the character of the Valorant is an example of a category that is both creative and
player, the game displays a cheerful, appreciative, and fresh; the word may be seen in figure three.
cynical attitude. According to the findings of this study,
slang terms in Valorant cannot be utilized in a formal
discussion context. During the course of the Valorant
game, forty slang terms were found.
Table 1. Category of Slang
No Types Number Percentage Fig. 3. Creative and Fresh Category
of Slang The term 'kekw' refers to a hilarious loud laugh
1 Acronym 17 42,50% (onomatopoeia). When a word or collection of words
2 Clipping 17 42,50%
replicate the sounds of the source it describes, it is
3 Creative 5 12,50%
and Fresh
referred to as onomatopoeia.
4 Imitative 1 2,50%
4.4 Imitative Category
4.1 Acronym Category The imitative category is comprised of terms that are
The acronym is a category of phrase that is formed by based on the Standard English (SE) word, which is
grouping the initial letters of a phrase to be spoken as a formed by merging two separate words and conveying a
single word. The acronym 'NT' serves as an example in variety of meaning. The word 'gimme' is an example of
the acronym category; the word may be seen in the the imitative category, and it may be found in figure
figure one. four.

Fig. 1. Acronym Category

The slang term "NT" stands for "Nice Try." Valorant Fig. 4. Imitative Category
players often used this slang term to praise another
player who failed to eliminate an opponent when there According to the Valorant game, the term 'gimme' is
was only one person left on their team. By praising their formed from the structural of 'give + me,' and it is
team, they were able to build trust in their team and team usually used when our squad requests a weapon.
spirit among their teammates.
4.5 Functions of Slang
4.2 Clipping Category
This research finds out seven functions of slang in the
The clipping is a condensed version of a few words, but in-game chat feature Valorant game. As can be seen in
it conveys the same meaning as the full version of the table 1 to address get two times of occurrence,to initiate
sentence. The word 'cuz' serves as an example of the relax conversation with three times of occurrence, to
clipping category and may be found in figure two. humiliate with six times of occurrence, to form an
intimate atmosphere with seven times of occurrence, to
express impression with eleven times of occurrence, to
reveal anger with three times of occurrence, and to show
intimacy with eight times of occurrence.

Fig. 2. Clipping Category

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Table 2. Classification of function (adapting from Allan & because they need a better weapon to take down the
Burridge, 2006) enemies or they do not have money left for buying a
weapon.

4.8 To humiliate

Fig. 7. To humiliate
The Valorant players used slang with the function to
humiliate. From the data in table 2, there were six times
of occurrences, in which the example of this function is
‘noob’, noob means is a player with a lack of skill. This
slang word is usually used to express unpleasantness to
other by mocking them. From figure 7 players do not
have to trust each other anymore in the game.

4.9 To Form an Intimate Atmosphere

Fig. 8. To Form an Intimate Atmosphere

4.6 To address a character The Valorant players used slang with the function to
form an intimate atmosphere. From the data in table 2,
there were seven times of occurrences, in which an
example of this slang word function is ‘yt vid’ YouTube
video. It can be seen in figure 8 that a player gives a
piece of advice to another player to watch a YouTube
video for better gameplay, this conversation usually
Fig. 5. To Address a Character Example
appears when they try to build trust in each other.

The Valorant players used slang with the function to

4.10 To express impression
address a character. From the data in table 2, there were
two times of occurrences, in which the function was
used to address a character such as kj and brim. In which
the function was used for commenting or complaining
about a player as in figure 5. In figure 5 the player
comment about kj ‘killjoy a character’ step because in
the Valorant game if the player running, the enemies
will hear the step and know the position. Meanwhile
brim ‘brimstone’ is a character name.

Fig. 9. To express impression

4.7 To Initiate Relax Conversation
The Valorant players used slang with the function to
express impression. From the data in table 2, there were
eleven times of occurrences, in which an example is ‘gg’
Fig. 6. To Initiate Relax Conversation in figure 9. The slang means is ‘good game’. the players
often use this slang at the end of the game to give and
The Valorant players used slang with the function to
earn some respect for each other because the players
initiate relax conversation. From the data in table 2,
were battling hard and getting a close round.
there were three times of occurrences. The slang word
GIMME from figure 6 is to get a relax conversation
between players. The example for this function is
usually used by players in the middle of the game round

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4.11 To reveal anger for identifying digital humanities as centered on the

activities and aspirations of people. It is implied that
further explorations of the language behavior in digital
culture could be used for learning experiences.

Fig. 10. To reveal anger

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