LANGUAGE VARIATION IN FREE FIRE ONLINE GAME COMMUNICATION IN SARUDU DISTRICT: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY

Abstract

This study examines language variation in the communication of Free Fire online game players in Sarudu District, Pasangkayu Regency, from a sociolinguistic perspective. It aims to describe the forms of language variation used by players and to explain their social functions in gameplay interaction. This study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive method. The data consisted of oral utterances produced by Free Fire players, collected through observation, non-participant listening, note-taking, and recording techniques. The data were analyzed through transcription, identification, classification, and interpretation based on the types of language variation and their contexts of use. The findings reveal three dominant forms of language variation: dialect, sociolect, and slang. Dialectal variation appears in the use of local linguistic forms such as miki, manako, and waitmi dulu, which indicate regional identity and social closeness among players. Sociolectal variation is reflected in game-specific terms such as revive, headshot, knock, push, and cover, which function to support rapid strategic coordination during gameplay. Meanwhile, slang variation appears in informal expressions such as bot, anjay, bum, and ko mampus, which are used to express emotions, mock opponents, and build familiarity among players. The study also finds code-mixing between local language, Indonesian, and English gaming terms. These findings indicate that communication in Free Fire is not merely a technical tool for gameplay but also a sociolinguistic practice that represents local identity, group solidarity, and language adaptation in digital culture.