PRAGMATICS ANALYSIS OF EMOJIS’ USAGE THROUGH WHATSAPP ONLINE COMMUNICATION AS AN EXPRESSION OF POLITENESS AMONG STUDENTS AND LECTURERS

This study delves into the pragmatic aspects of emoji usage in WhatsApp communication
between students and lecturers at Bengkulu University, with a particular focus on expressions
of politeness. In an era where digital communication is paramount, understanding how emojis
function in this context is essential. The research aims to identify the most frequent emojis
used, examine their pragmatic meanings, and analyze politeness strategies based on Brown and
Levinson’sا(1987)اpolitenessاtheory.اAاqualitativeاapproachاwasاemployed,ا collectingاdataا
from actual WhatsApp conversations between students and lecturers. These conversations were
meticulously analyzed to discern the role of emojis in conveying politeness, emotional tone,
and clarity in messages. The findings reveal that emojis significantly enhance the
expressiveness of online communication, providing non-verbal cues that aid in the
interpretation of tone and intent. This, in turn, facilitates more effective and courteous
interactions. The study underscores the importance of emojis as a tool for maintaining
politeness and positive interpersonal dynamics in academic settings.
Keywords: Pragmatic, Emoji, WhatsApp, Online Communication, Politeness Strategy.