Understanding Generation Alpha’s Unique Terminologies
Authors
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid La Union Campus College Of Education City Of San Fernando, La Union Bachelor Of Early Childhood Education (Philippines)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10200044
Subject Category: Education
Volume/Issue: 10/2 | Page No: 475-494
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-02-09
Accepted: 2026-02-14
Published: 2026-02-23
Abstract
This study explored to understand the new terminologies used by primary pupils from the City of San Fernando, La union to examine Generation Alphas language in the local setting and provide insights on their new terminologies and its effects. Specifically, the research sought the specific terms and phrases they use and on how they use these terminologies. Including the factors influencing the pupils to learn the new terminologies and its potential challenges and opportunities associated with the emergence of Generation Alpha terminologies into the teaching-learning process. Findings revealed that the specific terms and phrases such as sike/psyche, sigma/sigma boy, toilet/skibidi toilet, nigga, bro, and slay, are being used by the Generation Alpha pupils and are using it in their social interactions, leisure, humors, connection, and in their expression. Furthermore, the research reveals that the factors influencing the pupils to learn these new terminologies are digital immersion and social imitation. While its potential challenges and opportunities associated with the emergence of Generation Alpha terminologies into the teaching-learning process are impact in communication, academic interference, classroom disruption, acceptance and understanding, and trend awareness and engagement opportunities.
Keywords
communication, generation alpha, language, new terminologies, early childhood education
Downloads
References
1. Alawiyah, S., Zuriyati, N., & Lustiyantie, N. (2021). SLANG LANGUAGE AS REPRESENTATIVES OF SOCIAL CULTURE IDENTITY IN FILM STEP UP 2 THE STREETS. IJLECR - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND CULTURE REVIEW, 7(2), 204–213. https://doi.org/10.21009/ijlecr.072.20 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Alshahrani, A. (2023). Analyzing the Impact of Generational Variations on Vocabulary and Syntax in Instagram Posts of Older and Younger Adults. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 202-212. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Badmus-Lawal, K., & Olofinsao, O. M. (2021). A SEMANTIC STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF MEANING CHANGE IN YORUBA-ENGLISH SPEAKERS. International Journal of Research Publications, 89(1). https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1008911120212469 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Bellamy, C. J. (2024, September 3). Gen Alpha Slang 101: How to Understand Kids This Back-to-School Season. The Story Exchange. https://thestoryexchange.org/gen-alpha-slang-101-how-to-understand-kids-this-back-to-school-season/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABHfA6Ui40eDHzbtrGKzZKRp8FtYKy8s2PqGhQ35W50scFY5Xd_ODuj6Bbw_aem_Epr2ndmlEkAUF3Yw5JG7KQ&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr9m3BhDHARIsANut04ak63eAvDXH1ohcPoaGp3s8GkzA_zyma6PgxMYjxxdw0nwoyoGZ2dsaAm1vEALw_wcB [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Chillakuri, B. (2020). Understanding Generation Z expectations for effective onboarding. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 33(7), 1277–1296. https://doi.org/10.1108/jocm-02-2020-0058 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Costanza, D. P., Rudolph, C. W., & Zacher, H. (2023). Are generations a useful concept? Acta Psychologica, 241, 104059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104059 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Disted College Penang. (2024, February 20). Navigating the impact of Generation Alpha on Malaysia’s higher education. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-impact-generation-alpha-malaysias-higher-mqeec#:~:text=With%20a%20population%20of% 2032.7, primarily%20members%20 of%20 Gen%20Alpha. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. DO 31, s. 2013 – Clarifications on the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Language Learning Areas and Their Time Allotment in Grades 1 and 2 of the K to 12 Basic Education Program | Department of Education. (2013, July 16). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2013/07/16/do-31-s-2013-clarifications-on-the-policy-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-language-learning-areas-and-their-time-allotment-in-grades-1-and-2-of-the-k-to-12-basic-education-program/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Dovetail. (2024, April 3). Social Interactionist Theory: Definition and Examples. https://dovetail.com/market-research/social-interaction-theory/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Dreisbach, J. L., & Demeterio III, F. P. A. (2021). Language use and preference in the multilingual context of Davao City, Philippines. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(1), 313-327 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Drugas, M. (2022). SCREENAGERS OR “SCREAMAGERS”? CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON GENERATION ALPHA. Psychological Thought, 15(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.37708/psyct.v15i1.732 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Eldridge, S. (2024, September 13). Generation Alpha | Years, characteristics, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Generation-Alpha [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Ennin, F., & Manariyo, E. (2023). Language as Communication Barrier for Foreign Students: Evidence from Gujarat State Universities. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 4(6), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.6.697 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Flores, I., Abat, M. C., Duran, K. M., Galboy, C., & Ong, D., Jr. (2025). Investigating the effects of discovery learning on daycare pupils’ environmental skills using EcoExplorer. Diversitas Journal, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10i2.3352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Ford, K. (2020, February 18). Language acquisition: An Overview. Colorín Colorado. https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-overview [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Hayden C. (2022) Case study research defined. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364126131_Case_Study_Research_Defined_White_Paper [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Hofrova, A., Balidemaj, V., & Small, M. A. (2024). A systematic literature review of education for Generation Alpha. Discover Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-024-00218-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Howarth, J. (2024, June 18). Generation Alpha: Statistics, Data and Trends (2024). Exploding Topics. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/generation-alpha-stats?fbclid=IwY2xjawFjRPJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWqgoY7cfzhuE8gNNvYAsBWwx6IjNOEiUnyvafvcRTrViihyeijemMkAdw_aem_UlU2x3KeblDzEGW-sZF9Ew [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Jayatissa, K. a. D. U. (2023). Generation Z – A New Lifeline: A Systematic Literature review. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(2), 179–186. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v3i2.110 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Ji, J. (2024). Analysis of Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha Humor. The Wred Feather. https://wmsredhawknews.org/2117/arts-entertainment/analysis-of-gen-z-vs-gen-alpha-humor/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Jha, A. K. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/d2e8g [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Jha, A. K. C. V. (2021). Generation Z’s Perceptions and Attitudes towards Tourism and Hospitality a Career Option – A Preliminary Investigation of Residents of Jharkhand. Psychology and Education Journal, 58(1), 2953–2984. https://doi.org/10.17762/pae.v58i1.1192 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. JULY 3, 2023 DO 014, S. 2023 – Policy Guidelines on the implementation of the National Learning Camp | Department of Education. (2023, July 5). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/07/05/july-5-2023-do-014-s-2023-policy-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-national-learning-camp/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Kowalczyk-Kroenke, A. (2024). THE GENERATION OF THE FUTURE. CAN AND HOW CAN GENERATION ALPHA CHANGE THE LABOUR MARKET? Zeszyty Naukowe Wyższej Szkoły Humanitas Zarządzanie, 25(3), 29–39. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0054.7765 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Kumar, N. (2024, October 18). Generation Alpha Statistics 2024 (Population & Literacy Data). DemandSage. https://www.demandsage.com/generation-alpha-stats/#:~:text=Over%202.59%20 million%20Generation%20Alphas,Alpha's%20unique%20challenges%20and%20opportunities. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Laccson, M. C. (2024, August 28). Why we need to know and understand the Gen Alpha slang. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/why-we-need-to-know-and-understand-the-gen-alpha-slang#:~:text=The%20language%20of%20Generation%20 Alpha,values%2C%20preferences%2C%20and%20challenges. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Lad, D. R. (2024). Raising Generation Alpha: a Narrative Review. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4872409 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Libretexts. (2022, October 17). 12.5: Interactionist/Social Theory. Social Sci LibreTexts. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Early_Childhood_Education/Infant_and_Toddler_Care_and_Development_(Taintor_and_LaMarr)/12%3A_Theories_of_Language_Acquisition/12.05%3A_Interactionist_Social_Theory [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Lopez, R. U., Galvez, J., Javillonar, C., & Madayag, F. (2024). Best Pedagogical practices for supporting English language learners in the City of San Fernando Day Care Centres. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Li, X., Odhiambo, F. A., & Ocansey, D. K. W. (2023). The effect of students’ online learning experience on their satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of preference. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1095073 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Manaher, S. (2023). Sike vs Psych: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms. The Content Authority. Retrieved March 7, 2025, from https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/sike-vs-psych [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. McCrindle, M., & Fell. A. (2020). Understanding Generation Alpha. McCrindle Research. Retrieved October 25, 2024 from https://generationalpha.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/Understanding-Generation-Alpha-McCrindle.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. McCrindle, M. (2021). Generation Alpha. Hachette UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. McKenna, A. (2024, September 4). Generation X | Origin, Years, Characteristics, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Generation-X [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. McKercher, B. (2023). Age or generation? Understanding behaviour differences. Annals of Tourism Research, 103, 103656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2023.103656 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Jerome Bruner Theory of Cognitive Development & Constructivism. https://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. MSEd, K. C. (2024, July 12). What is sociocultural theory? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-sociocultural-theory-2795088 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Nesvig, K. (2024, August 13). What is a sigma and why are teens saying it? Parents.https://www.parents.com/what-is-sigma-8693958 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. NS, A. (2024). Unveiling the Linguistic landscape: Examining the influence of digital communication in social media and text messaging on language development. SMART MOVES JOURNAL IJELLH, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.24113/ijellh.v12i4.11486 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Odegard, M., & Solberg, S. (2024). Identifying teachers’ reactive strategies towards disruptive behavior in classrooms. Teaching and Teacher Education, 145, 104627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104627 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Ong, D. P. (2025). Social presence in flexible online courses: links to learning and student satisfaction. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13823-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Oviogun, P. V., & Veerdee, P. S. (2020). Definition of language and linguistics: basic competence. Macrolinguistics and Microlinguistics, 1(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.21744/mami.v1n1.1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Primecandidate. (2024). Lost in Translation: Generational language differences and the communication challenges. The Age Diversity Forum. https://www.agediversityforum.org/lost-in-translation-generational-language-differences-and-the-communication-challenges-2/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. Puspita, V. G., & Ardianto, A. (2024). Code-Switching and Slang: An analysis of language dynamics in the everyday lives of Generation Z. Linguistics Initiative, 4(1), 76–87. https://doi.org/10.53696/27753719.41127 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Reschke, M. (2024, August 21). Generation Alpha: Online Habits and Media Preferencesby the numbers - Basis Technologies. Basis Technologies. https://basis.com/blog/generation-alpha-online-habits-and-media-preferences-by-thenumbers#:~:text=This%20early%20and%20extensive%20exposure,by%20the%20age%20of%2010. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Shen, Y. (2024). Impact of social media on the evolution of English semantics through linguistic analysis. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i2.1184 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
47. Singh, N. (2021). Language across the Curriculum: Implications and challenges. https://ijariie.com/AdminUploadPdf/Language_Across_the_Curriculum__Implications_and_Challenges_ijariie14988.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooRDO154w4hZiiXgZiK7GSbb4s0qU9dCbvxVeqT4hxTalpQn8i5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
48. Slepian, R. C., Vincent, A. C., Patterson, H., & Furman, H. (2023b). “Social media, wearables, telemedicine and digital health,”—A Gen Y and Z perspective. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 524–544). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-824010-6.00072-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
49. Thaeler, C. (2021, July 19). Who is the ‘iGen’ generation and how are they different? Army and Navy Academy. https://www.armyandnavyacademy.org/blog/just-who-is-the-igen-generation-and-how-are-they-different/#:~:text=The%2074%20million%20young%20Americans, shortened%20 descriptor%20 for%20internet%20generation. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
50. Villar, G. A. (2024, September 12). Quick guide to Gen Alpha Slangs:13 terms You Must know. The Blog for Language Lovers | Lingopie.com. https://lingopie.com/blog/quick-guide-to-gen-alpha-slangs-13-terms-you-must-know/#:~:text=Gen%20Alpha%20has%20developed%20 slang,this%20 generation%27s%20connected%20digital%20world. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
51. Viner, R. M., Russell, S. J., Croker, H., Packer, J., Ward, J., Stansfield, C., Mytton, O., Bonell, C., & Booy, R. (2020). School closure and management practices during coronavirus outbreaks including COVID-19: a rapid systematic review. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(5), 397–404. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30095-x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
52. Wang, X. (2024). Research on online games and social interaction. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 16(3), 37–41. https://doi.org/10.54097/8g3dj357 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
53. Yurtseven, N. (2020b). The teacher of Generation Alpha. In Peter Lang D eBooks. https://doi.org/10.3726/b16823 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
54. Zahan, I. (2023, November 2). Gen Z: Understanding the characteristics, behaviors, and impact of the next generation. Medium. https://medium.com/@ishratzahanoyshi/gen-z-understanding-the-characteristics-behaviors-and-impact-of-the-next-generation-dca4f25d30fc [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
55. Ziatdinov, R., & Cilliers, J. (2021). Generation Alpha: Understanding the next cohort of university students. European Journal of Contemporary Education, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.13187/ejced.2021.3.783 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
56. Zakaria, M. H. F., Ali, A., & Aziz, A. (2022). Online Gaming: Exploratory of the communication process and current scenario of virtual community development. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i11/14739 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
- Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
- “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
- Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
- Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study