Men's Language Features Used by Hobin Yoo in Viral Hit Webtoon Series

This study focuses on the analysis of men language features used by Hobin Yoo in the Webtoon series “Viral Hit”. The researcher conducted the study using the language features theory proposed by Holmes (2013). This study aims to find men language features used by Hobin Yoo when talking to same-sex group and mixed-sex group. The researcher also explains the factors behind the use of these language features. This study uses a qualitative approach related to clear and systematic descriptions and pays attention to ongoing phenomena. The results of the study show that there are 5 language features used by Hobin Yoo, namely interruption, feedback, explanation, gossip, and verbal abuse. Interruption is more often used when talking to the same-sex group to show dominance, except in conversations with the opposite sex where the interruption is purposeful. Feedback to the same-sex seems friendly and supportive, and becomes more positive and cooperative in groups of the opposite sex. Explanation is more assertive in an instructive way but more detailed and wise in mixed groups. Gossip is about work, tactics, and weaknesses of opponents, it will become lighter and less controversial when talking to the opposite sex. Verbal abuse is more aggressive with same-sex partners, but more subtle with opposite-sex partners. This suggests that language use is relative to the social function in which it is used and the gender relations that exist.