Abstract

Intimate language plays a crucial role in maintaining and developing peer relationships, particularly within the communicative context of young people. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with Vietnamese youth aged 16–24, to explore common forms of intimate address used among close friends. It also included a comparative analysis of equivalent expressions in English. The fi ndings indicate that real names and nicknames are the most frequently used forms of address, refl ecting both intimacy and personalization in communication. Based on these insights, the study proposes pedagogical applications for teaching English speaking skills in a manner that is both natural and culturally appropriate.

Keywords: Intimate language, forms of address among youth, peer relationships, intercultural communication, teaching English speaking skills.