Vol. 6 No. 4 (2026): Berajah Journal
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

THE PRAGMATICS OF BREVITY: COMMUNICATIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE ABBREVIATED LANGUAGE IN INDONESIAN SONG LYRICS

Authors

Ismuhu Nasai , Mawardi , Asmaul Husna , T. Muntazar , Sarah Zianita

Published:

2026-06-20

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Abstract

This study examines the use of abbreviated language in Indonesian song lyrics through a pragmatic study, focusing on the communicative functions emerging from the use of abbreviations, acronyms, and non-standard forms. The purpose of this study is to analyze the pragmatic meaning of condensed language in Indonesian song lyrics and identify the dominant communicative functions within them. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach, incorporating George Yule's pragmatic theory and the concept of concise communication in popular language. The research data consists of words, phrases, and abbreviated expressions such as HTS, TTS, EGP, anjay, cepmek, jablay, and meriang found in popular Indonesian song lyrics. Data collection techniques include documentation and recording of selected song lyrics, which are then analyzed using contextual pragmatic analysis methods. The results indicate that condensed language in song lyrics has various pragmatic functions, such as expressiveness, social identity, humor, social criticism, and implicature. Furthermore, the use of abbreviated language also shapes certain communicative functions, particularly those of romance, youth identity, popular lifestyles, and emotional expression. The abbreviated language used in song lyrics is not only to facilitate communication but also to strengthen emotional closeness between songwriter and listener. This research shows that the phenomenon of abbreviated language in song lyrics is part of the development of digital communication culture and linguistic creativity in modern society.

Keywords:

Pragmatics abbreviated language communicative functions Indonesian song lyrics popular culture

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Author Biographies

Ismuhu Nasai, Universitas Bumi Persada

Author Origin : Indonesia

Mawardi, Universitas Bumi Persada

Author Origin : Indonesia

Asmaul Husna, Universitas Bumi Persada

Author Origin : Indonesia

T. Muntazar, Universitas Bumi Persada

Author Origin : Indonesia

Sarah Zianita, Universitas Bumi Persada

Author Origin : Indonesia

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How to Cite

Ismuhu Nasai, Mawardi, Asmaul Husna, T. Muntazar, & Sarah Zianita. (2026). THE PRAGMATICS OF BREVITY: COMMUNICATIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE ABBREVIATED LANGUAGE IN INDONESIAN SONG LYRICS. Berajah Journal, 6(4), 2289–2300. https://doi.org/10.47353/bj.v6i4.724