YJSSH
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Semantic Analysis of Contextual Items in WhatsApp Conversations

Sanju Febrio Saragih (Unknown)
Damanik , Bernieke Anggita Ristia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the semantic role of contextual items—emojis, abbreviations, and discourse markers—in shaping meaning within WhatsApp conversations. Using a qualitative content analysis method, data were collected from naturally occurring chats among users aged 18 to 35. The findings show that emojis function as emotional amplifiers or softeners, abbreviations facilitate rapid and informal exchanges, and discourse markers manage tone, coherence, and politeness strategies. These elements work collaboratively to perform speech acts such as apologizing, refusing, and building interpersonal rapport. Based on Speech Act Theory and Relevance Theory, this study concludes that meaning in WhatsApp communication is co-constructed through interaction and social context. The research contributes to studies in digital discourse, semantics, and sociolinguistics, particularly within the Indonesian context.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

yjssh

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (YJSSH) is an academic journal which focuses on social and humanistic issues, both of a conceptual and an empirical nature. The journal uses a multidisciplinary perspective with a focus on the main issue. The journal is open to all to contribute to it, ...