Decoding the linguistic functions of emoji: A discourse analysis of messenger chats

Abstract

This discourse analysis aimed to investigate the different emoji and its pragmatic illocutionary forces as used in messenger chats. The study utilized the qualitative content approach in identifying the different communicative uses of the emoji as reflected and as used in the context of online discourse. This explores the different signs and symbols in the form of emoji used by interactants in their computer-mediated exchange of discourse. Data revealed that the different symbols or emojis that represent the current state of being as used by interactants in their messenger chats are: church, sick emoji, morbid, confused, sad, crying, in love, like, wave, shocked, halo, bored or sleepy , birthday, and virus emoji. The different linguistic functions reflected in the use of emoji are: expressive, interpretative, relational, politeness, emphatic, structural and referential functions. In terms of the illocutionary force, the illocutionary acts are: expressive, representative, directive and commissive. Emojis are what the modern times has to offer a different set of languages. This particular language, however, is in its infancy stage and still needs to be studied, and understood. Based on the results gathered, emojis are flexible types of languages that can either support the existing one by making more palatable on the online community or it will become the language itself in some cases. Nevertheless, the studies regarding these modern signs and symbols will prove to be fun, challenging and beneficial as it is constantly changing overtime by the course of technology.