LEGITIMIZING IDENTITIES THROUGH VULGARITY: THE STUDY OF EPISODE FIVE IN SELINA TESTED SERIES

Abstract

This paper explores how the movie series ‘Selina Tested’ employs vulgarity as a narrative device to construct a unique social group identity. Halliday’s (1967) anti-language, a linguistic identity based on social group, is adopted for the study. The study adopts a qualitative research approach where episode five (5) of the movie (Fracas) provides sufficient data for analysis. Using the thematic analysis approach, the study examines how vulgarity, viewed here as anti-language, is used to subvert conventional means and standard forms of communication. The findings reveal that the dominant use of vulgarity or anti-language elements by the young characters in ‘Selina Tested’ sets them (the young characters) apart from the normal society as a distinct social group. The most prominent anti-language elements found in ‘Selina Tested’ include the wholesale use of a distinct vocabulary popular among the youth on ‘Holy Ground’ (the major setting in the movie), distorted word order, relexification and the use of unconventional codes. With these findings, the research makes a significant to the ongoing discussion on the role of media in shaping identity and culture, highlighting the potential of anti-languages as instruments of empowerment. The study recommends ‘Selina Tested to functional linguists and scholars with interests in language and identity constructions as a good source of data.