This term paper advances research on the pragmatic context of online communication performed by a group of students in a mixed-cultural class. It intended to analyze texting on WhatsApp in terms of linguistic and paralinguistic characteristics, the identity of interlocutors, and uses of abbreviations, emojis, and other non-standard forms.
The data for the research were collected from a questionnaire. Results showed features of online texting which are deviant of the formal language. This supports previous claims that text messaging uses language varieties with unique linguistic features and syntactic conventions. These features are equally in use among students with different cultural background. It was also found that emojis were used to complement words and impose additional meaning. Additionally, the way interlocutors used text messages reveals information about their identities. It also gives clues about their cultural backgrounds.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Survey
3. Methodological Aspects
4. The Distinctive Features of Text Messaging among Adolescents with and without Migrant Background
4.1. The Pragmatic Implications of Format, Language, Abbreviations
4.2. The Text Messaging Features Conveying Emotions
4.3. Expressing Identity and Integration through Text Messaging
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to examine the pragmatic aspects of text messaging among a mixed-cultural class of students, specifically focusing on how linguistic and paralinguistic features, such as emojis and code switching, reveal the cultural identity and integration levels of the participants.
- Pragmatic analysis of text messaging as a form of communication among adolescents.
- Investigation of differences in texting patterns related to migrant backgrounds.
- The use of emojis, emoticons, and non-standard forms to convey emotional states.
- How language mixing and code switching reflect the identity of young interlocutors.
- The influence of texting on social integration and interpersonal relationships.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. The Text Messaging Features Conveying Emotions
With respect to the second research question, it was found that WhatsApp texting employs several emojis to fulfil some purposes. According to the definitions of emoticons and emojis given in Chapter 3 of this paper, these features complement non-verbal communication. Since a substantial portion of our communication is non-verbal, that is including postures, facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice, what we can express in words or in a non-verbal way in real life is accomplished by emojis with rather short texts in text messaging.
Emojis add an emotional level to the text and can prevent misunderstandings. Tasks 10-16 of the questionnaire served the purpose of collecting and analyzing the data showing the use of emoticons, emojis, and other text messaging features to express various emotions. Processing the initial questionnaire results reveals a clear gender difference in the use of these elements. Though the majority of the participants provided numerous examples of emojis they normally use to express different emotions in text messaging, the practical tasks of the questionnaire revealed that only about two-thirds of female (62%) and almost half as many of male respondents (33%) use these features. These results confirm the hypothesis offered by Thurlow and Brown (2003) and Ling (2005) who suggested that gender differences emerge in young people’s interactions.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the background of migration in Germany and defines the scope of using text messaging as a focal point for analyzing intercultural identification among students.
2. Literature Survey: Review of existing research regarding the pragmatics of mobile communication, highlighting the role of abbreviations, emoticons, and gender-based differences in digital interaction.
3. Methodological Aspects: Details the empirical approach involving a questionnaire administered to students, covering their background, texting frequency, and specific writing tasks.
4. The Distinctive Features of Text Messaging among Adolescents with and without Migrant Background: Investigates specific patterns of language use, emotional expression via emojis, and the construction of identity among students with varying cultural backgrounds.
4.1. The Pragmatic Implications of Format, Language, Abbreviations: Analyzes the quantitative data regarding preferred languages, code switching behaviors, and the use of linguistic shortcuts in text messages.
4.2. The Text Messaging Features Conveying Emotions: Discusses how emojis and emoticons function as non-verbal substitutes to provide emotional depth and clarity in WhatsApp communication.
4.3. Expressing Identity and Integration through Text Messaging: Examines how communication styles among different student groups correlate with their personal identity and their integration into the social context.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the core findings, confirming that text messaging reflects cultural identity, language proficiency, and social integration strategies among the students.
Keywords
WhatsApp, text messaging, linguistic pragmatics, migrant background, emoji, emoticon, code switching, intercultural communication, identity construction, language, adolescents, SMS discourse, sociocultural linguistics, digital communication, integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the pragmatic aspects of text messaging, specifically focusing on how a mixed-cultural group of students uses language and paralinguistic elements to communicate and express identity.
Which thematic fields are central to the study?
Key themes include the pragmatics of digital discourse, the linguistic choices of bilingual or multilingual speakers, the role of emojis in conveying emotions, and the construction of social identity among teenagers with migrant backgrounds.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The main goal is to determine if and how text messaging patterns differ based on the students' cultural backgrounds and to understand how they use this medium to establish interpersonal relationships and personal identity.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing an anonymous questionnaire with 15 items, including demographic questions and practical text-based tasks, administered to 27 students.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main sections cover a literature overview of digital communication, the distinct features of formatting and language use (including abbreviations), the emotional function of emojis, and the relationship between texting and cultural integration.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Core keywords include WhatsApp, digital pragmatics, migrant background, emoji, code switching, identity construction, and sociocultural linguistics.
Did the study observe gender differences in texting?
Yes, the data revealed that female students tended to write longer messages, used emojis more frequently than male students, and were more likely to report the use of voice messages.
How does cultural background affect code switching in this group?
The study found that bilingual students, particularly those who have stayed in Germany for less than five years, frequently use code switching and language mixing as strategies to maintain their identities and compensate for varying levels of linguistic fluency.
What unique insight does the paper offer regarding "unpleasant news"?
Interestingly, the research found that a notable portion of participants (26%) preferred face-to-face communication or voice calls over text messages when needing to deliver unpleasant or sensitive news, suggesting moral norms influence digital etiquette.
- Citar trabajo
- Tetiana Katsis (Autor), 2020, Pragmatics of Text Messaging in a Mixed-Cultural Class of Students, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1431423
