AN ANALYSIS ON THE USE OF SMILEYS AND TEXT-BASED EMOTICONS IN YAHOO! MESSANGER AS CHAT REGISTER

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the usage of smileys and text-based emoticons in Yahoo! Messenger. The data are gained from chatting texts and questionnaires of 100 chatters. As a study of language in society, the theory of register is needed because this kind of language is only used in chatting community. To analyze the data, the theory of sign stated by Saussure is needed. The type of research is field research. The data are collected from chatting texts and questionnaires of 100 chatters and then interpret the findings. As a result, 73 chatters choose to use smileys, 24 chatters choose to use text-based emoticons, and the rest choose not to use both of the icons.