Language and Ageism: Reflection from the Perspective of Adolescence towards Adulthood Language and Ageism: Reflection from the Perspective of Adolescence towards Adulthood

Abstract

Ageism or a negative attitude toward others due to the different ages of interactants, is always possible when people of different ages interact with each other. Such attitudes can be reflected through the use of common language in everyday life. This article examined the linguistic characteristics of adolescents interacting with adults, aiming to see whether the pattern or linguistic features of the language shows negative views towards each other and the underlying reasoning behind that. The data were derived from a 42-episode television drama series. The study found that adolescents had a psychological perspective towards an adult, which was divided into five categories. 1) Personality and character. (Limitation of freedom, Having scolding or nagging behavior, Interfering with privacy, Having an idea or behavior that is out of date, Highlighting teenagers’ inferiority as a matter of conversation, Making a small deal into a big deal, Worrying about something that has not happened, Concealing certain truths), 2) Family responsibility. (Deficiency or neglect of duty), 3) Moral and ethical (Strict custom/traditions, Doing something that conflicts with their teachings, 4) Beliefs. (Irrational belief), and 5) Ability (Inability to act or speak, Not understanding adolescent life).