Emoticons as Speech Act Amplifiers: An Analysis of Pragmatics in Online Communication

Hafizh Nur Herdian

doi:10.31764/leltj.v13i1.30822

Emoticons as Speech Act Amplifiers: An Analysis of Pragmatics in Online Communication

Hafizh Nur Herdian

Abstract

This study explores the pragmatic function of emoticons as amplifiers of speech acts in online communication, focusing on Instagram comment sections. Using a qualitative content analysis method with a pragmatic discourse approach, the research investigates how specific emoticons strengthen the illocutionary force of digital utterances. A total of 100 user comments containing emoticons were analyzed and categorized based on their communicative functions. The findings reveal that emoticons such as 🤣 and 💀 reinforce expressive acts like humor and exaggeration; 🔥 and ❤️ enhance assertive acts such as praise and approval; and 🙂 indicates subtle commitment in commissive speech acts. The study also highlights cultural shifts in meaning such as 💀 evolving into a symbol of humorous panic and emphasizes the importance of context in interpretation. These results confirm that emoticons serve not only as emotional indicators but also as strategic pragmatic tools that shape meaning, influence perception, and reduce misinterpretation in text-based digital communication.

Keywords

Emoticons; Speech Acts; Pragmatics; Online Communication; Illocutionary Force

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31764/leltj.v13i1.30822