Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for this study is rooted in the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model,
which provides a structured approach to examining how senior high school students’ profiles
influence their comprehension and usage of contemporary Gen Z slang. In the Input stage, the
study explores how students' demographic characteristics—such as their age, gender, and
academic strand—shape their awareness of and exposure to Gen Z slang. These factors are
crucial because they determine the extent to which students are introduced to slang, as well as
how they interact with it within their social and academic environments. For example, students in
different age groups or genders may be exposed to different types of slang through varying
media channels or peer groups. Similarly, the academic strand may influence the language
students are exposed to in their studies or through academic communities, further affecting their
slang usage.
In the Process stage, the focus shifts to understanding how students become familiar with Gen Z
slang and how they incorporate it into their daily communication. This includes exploring when
and where students use slang, as well as the underlying reasons for its usage, such as peer
influence or digital media consumption. The study examines how these factors contribute to
students’ ability to understand and use slang in various contexts, whether in face-to-face
interactions, on social media, or in other informal settings. The process phase highlights the
social and environmental factors that play a role in shaping students' language practices and their
evolving relationship with contemporary slang.
The Output stage assesses the consequences of students’ engagement with Gen Z slang. This
includes evaluating the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using slang in
communication, as well as the impact on students' identities and social relationships. The study
also investigates students' lived experiences with slang, delving into how it affects their sense of
belonging, group dynamics, and personal expression. By focusing on these outputs, the research
seeks to understand the broader cultural significance of slang within the student population and
its role in shaping social interactions.
Through this framework, the study offers a comprehensive exploration of how students' profiles
influence their awareness and use of Gen Z slang, providing insights into the factors that drive
language evolution within contemporary youth culture. The IPO model allows for a deeper
understanding of how demographic characteristics, social influences, and communication
platforms shape students' engagement with slang and the resulting social and linguistic
outcomes.