FIB USU PR - On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Batak Literature Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), aguest lecture for the Discourse Analysis course, carrying the theme “Language Practices of Batak Toba Women on TikTok: Between Identity, Style, and Audience.” The event took place at the Meeting Room of FIB USU.

The event was attended by the Dean of FIB USU, Prof. Dr. Dra. T. Thyrhaya Zein, M.A., who expressed her support for academic activities that address contemporary issues.

Also present were Drs. Warisman Sinaga, M.Hum., as the course lecturer, Dr. Halimatussakdiah, S.S., M.Si., as the moderator, and students of the Batak Literature Study Program at FIB USU, who participated enthusiastically.

The guest lecture featured Dr. Vivi Novalia Sitinjak, S.S., M.Hum., as the speaker, who provided an in-depth discussion on the phenomenon of language use by Batak Toba women on the TikTok platform. The discussion highlighted how language functions not only as a means of communication but also as a representation of identity, an expression of style, and a strategy for reaching audiences in digital spaces.

In her presentation, the speaker explained that language practices on social media platforms such as TikTok reflect a dynamic interplay between the preservation of ethnic identity and adaptation to global trends. Batak Toba women, through the content they create, not only maintain local linguistic elements but also combine them with more flexible and communicative modern language styles.

The discussion, guided by the moderator, was interactive, featuring various questions and responses from students regarding language phenomena, identity, and the influence of social media on discourse transformation.

Through this activity, students are expected to broaden their understanding of discourse analysis studies, particularly in the context of digital media and local culture, and to connect theoretical frameworks with real-life phenomena in society. This guest lecture also reflects FIB USU’s commitment to providing learning experiences that are relevant to current developments.