The Linguistic Strategies of PUBG Gaming Communities: A Study of Anti-Language

PUBG is widely popular royal battle game that has earned a significant following, particularly in South Asia, including Pakistan. It has been observed that language use in PUBG gaming, represent unique form of communication and identity assertion. Despite linguistic creativity is prevalent in gaming communities but limited research has been conducted on the role of anti-language in constructing sub-cultural identity. This study aims to investigate the role of anti-language within PUBG gaming communities. Using qualitative method, the research analyzes data through the lens of Halliday’s Anti-Language Theory and Pragmatics Theory, to examine how players adapt anti-language to meet functional and symbolic needs. Data was collected through recordings of live gameplay sessions and screenshots focusing on recurring linguistic patterns and player interactions. After detailed data analysis findings of the research reveal that anti-language in PUBG is characterized by linguistic features such as slang, abbreviations, hybridization, and code phrases. These linguistic features enhance teamwork, foster social bonding, and signify sub-cultural distinctiveness. Moreover, the study demonstrates bilingual and technological environments, emphasizing its dual role in communication and identity formation.