bahasbahasan

Bahasbahasan is a contemporary term used in Indonesian online discourse to describe extended or recurring discussions about language, linguistic etiquette, or related topics in digital communities. The word is formed from the verbs bahas (to discuss) and bahasan (topic of discussion), with reduplication that emphasizes the act or habit of discussing.

Etymology and status: Bahasbahasan is not a standard entry in formal Indonesian dictionaries. It emerged in informal speech and online platforms as a playful or descriptive label for debates that go on at length, sometimes becoming circular or self-referential. Because it is a social rather than a scholarly term, its meaning can vary with context.

Usage and context: The term is typically used to characterize discussions about grammar, spelling, usage, slang, or language norms within communities. It can also describe meta-discussion about how people argue, how rules are interpreted, or how authority is assigned in linguistic debates. In some cases, bahasbahasan carries a neutral to descriptive tone; in others, it may imply that the conversation is overly long-winded or inconclusive.

Examples:

- Mereka sedang terjebak dalam bahasbahasan tanpa akhir tentang mana yang benar dalam penggunaan kata itu.

- Komentar-komentar di forum itu sering berubah menjadi bahasbahasan tentang tata bahasa, etika, dan identitas bahasa.

Significance: As a sociolinguistic phenomenon, bahasbahasan highlights how language communities negotiate norms, authority, and identity through extended dialogue. It reflects the dynamics of online discourse and the informal evolution of linguistic awareness.