WORD FORMATION PROCESSES OF FILIPINO SHOUTCASTERS’ REGISTERS IN MOBILE LEGENDS:

BANG BANG ESPORTS

Abstract

This research analyzes the word formation processes in the registers employed by Filipino shoutcasters in the MPL Philippines Season 16 Playoffs English Broadcast. The study applies Mattiello's (2008, 2013) theoretical framework of word formation to examine how morphological processes, such as grammatical, extra-grammatical, and borderline cases, contribute to the creation of specialized registers in esports commentary. The study employs a qualitative case study approach, analyzing 392 data registers from nine Filipino shoutcasters collected through documentation techniques from YouTube replay English broadcasts. The findings reveal nine distinct word formation processes: compounding (252 data), suffixation (33), prefixation (5), conversion (35), abbreviations (41), variation (5), hybrid formations (19), coinage (1), and elliptic rhyming slang (1). Compounding stands as the most dominant process, demonstrating that descriptive language is prioritized in live commentary contexts. Extra-grammatical processes such as abbreviations enable efficient communication while simultaneously marking in-group community status. This research contributes to the understanding of morphology in digitally mediated professional discourse and extends the application of Mattiello's framework to new media contexts.