The Use of Slang Among Students in Trinul Hostel

Student: Kehinde Sofiyat Moronkeji (Project, 2025)
Department of Linguistics and Nigeria Language
University of Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

This research examines the use of slang among students residing in Trinul Hostel, University of Ilorin. It explores how slang functions as a linguistic, social, and cultural tool for communication, identity formation, and group cohesion among students. The study investigates the meanings, origins, and usage patterns of slang within the hostel environment, focusing on how social interaction, peer influence, and digital culture contribute to its evolution. A qualitative research method was adopted, using observation and interviews to collect data from hostel residents. The findings reveal that slang is not only a medium of informal communication but also a symbol of creativity, solidarity, and cultural expression. It reflects students’ shared experiences, social realities, and adaptation to modern communication trends. The study concludes that slang plays a vital role in fostering social bonds and expressing individuality among university students while also influencing their language practices and cultural identity. Recommendations are made for further research on the relationship between slang and academic performance, as well as its broader sociolinguistic implications in educational settings.

Keywords
slang students hostel social research cultural communication trinul university identity
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