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

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