Philippine E-Journals

Philippine English in Online Depressive Language

Maico Demi B. Aperocho

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The use of language in the world of people living with mental health conditions cannot be underestimated. Hence, the study of depressive language is relevant. In this research project, the researcher aimed to understand the use of Philippine English in the depressive language by analyzing the discourses posted by netizens on Facebook. Through AntConc, the researcher determined the frequency of word use in these discourses and examined the context of each dominant Philippine English depressive language lexicon in relation to mental health. With the help of the depression lexicon offered by Cheng, Ramos, Bitsch, Jonas, Ix, See, and Wehrle, the researcher revealed how Filipinos use common English words in expressing their mental state and emotional struggles. Based on the careful analysis, depression lexicons pertaining to suicide, mood, guilt, and esteem are heavily evident. Filipinos also have varied uses of the word depression in their statements, which shows how linguistically rich and diverse depressive language is from the perspective of Philippine English. After shedding light on the linguistic features of Philippine English in depressive language use on Facebook, it can now be concluded that studying Asian Englishes, specifically Philippine English can become instrumental in advancing studies and advocacies related to mental health awareness through language use on virtual spaces.