The Dark Side of Indonesian and Malaysian Football News: Dysphemism and Learning

Abstract

This article reveals the darker side of Indonesian and Malaysian football coverage, focusing on the use of dysphemistic language and its impact on Indonesian language learning. This study examines how mass media frequently employs dysphemistic expressions to convey football-related information and craft narratives laden with negative connotations. The primary objective is to delve into the manifestation of negative expressions, specifically dysphemism, in Indonesian and Malaysian football news headlines. The qualitative methodology adopts a semantic study approach, drawing data from Indonesian and Malaysian mass media covering 2023 AFF Cup football matches. Random data sampling provided a comprehensive overview of dysphemism in news headlines. The analysis revealed the utilisation of certain words and phrases in Indonesian and Malaysian news titles, where dysphemism is employed to convey a sense of defeat or victory for the Malaysian national team. Based on these findings, this study underscores the relevance of incorporating dysphemism into Indonesian language education.