Beyond Words: Investigating the Semiotic Role of Emojis in WhatsApp Chats among Private University Students in the Klang Valley, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijleal.v15i2.12264Keywords:
Digital Interaction, Emoji, Semiotic significance, Tertiary students, WhatsApp communicationAbstract
This study investigates the semiotic significance of emojis in WhatsApp conversations among private tertiary students in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. As emojis have become a core component of digital communication, this research aims to understand how students interpret and use them to convey meaning beyond written words. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of students. The analysis focused on patterns of emoji usage, frequency, and the perceived meanings attached to different emojis in various contexts. The findings indicate that emojis play a crucial role in expressing emotions, reinforcing messages, and clarifying intentions in digital interactions. Many students reported that emojis help prevent misunderstandings and enhance the emotional tone of their messages. The study concludes that emojis function as important semiotic tools that contribute to more effective and meaningful communication in online settings. These insights highlight the evolving nature of language and the growing influence of visual symbols in digital conversations.
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