WOMEN AND MEN’S LANGUAGE IN NIKI’S LYRICS

Abstract

This study discusses the influence of gender on word choice in NIKI's songs, analyzing how differences in female and male language are manifested in song lyrics. Word choice in the lyrics indicates differences in NIKI's language use. These differences can be distinguished through linguistic features. The purpose of this study is to identify linguistic characteristics in word choice that characterize female and male language in NIKI's selected songs, and to explore the differences in the use of female and male language characteristics based on context and social norms. The researcher uses Janet Holmes' theory (2013) as the primary theory and Coates (2004) for gender perspectives. The research methodology is a qualitative research approach. Data collection was conducted using documentation techniques. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive technique. The data for this study are lyrics from NIKI's selected songs: "Oceans & Engines" (2022), "Lose" (2020), "La La Lost You" (2019), "Backburner" (2022), and "Autumn" (2024). The results of the study indicate linguistic characteristics that characterize the language. First, NIKI's word choice demonstrates many indirect expressions, as well as the use of hedging and reinforcement to emphasize and describe emotional images, which are characteristic of women's language. On the other hand, there is also the use of male language that tends to use direct statements with a competitive approach. Second, these language use are influenced by social norms, women's language tends to be more cooperative, while men's language shows direct statements and a competitive approach as a way to show dissatisfaction.