The Use of Code-Mixing by Edu-Influencers in Social Media: A Communication Strategy in Sociolinguistic Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the use of code-mixing in educational content produced by edu-influencers on social media from a sociolinguistic and digital discourse perspective. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analyzes ten selected utterances containing Indonesian–English code-mixing. The classification of code-mixing types is based on Muysken’s (2000) typology, namely insertion, alternation, and congruent lexicalization. The findings reveal that insertion is the most dominant type of code-mixing, indicating that Indonesian functions as the matrix language while English elements are embedded mainly in the form of academic terms. Alternation and congruent lexicalization occur less frequently and are used primarily for emphasis and stylistic variation. Functionally, code-mixing serves not only linguistic purposes but also social and symbolic functions, such as conveying academic authority, modernity, and global orientation. In the context of social media, code-mixing functions as a digital communication strategy that helps edu-influencers construct an educative and credible online persona while enhancing audience engagement. This study highlights that code-mixing in educational social media content reflects the intersection of language practices, digital identity, and contemporary educational discourse.
Keywords: Eode-Mixing, Edu-Influencer, Social Media, Sociolinguistics