Pragmatic Play? Some Possible Functions of English Emoticons and Japanese Kaomoji in Computer-Mediated Discourse

Abstract

This study compares emoticon usage in English with thetext-based Japanese version, kaomoji ("face-marks"). We analyze a corpus of CMD drawn from English andJapanese sources at the micro-level using an approach modeled on Conversation Analysis. Japanese kaomoji were chosen because they are an understudied phenomenon in the CMD research and because they vary quite dramatically from English emoticons, in both their construction and in their variety (Katsuno & Yano, 2002; Nishimura, 2003). Overall, we found that emoticons and kaomoji serve primarily as punctuating devices within text-based conversations. As such, they clarify the structure of messages, generally by appearing at the close of phrases, sentences, or messages.

Emoji and communicative action: The semiotics, sequence and gestural actions of ‘face covering hand’

“…Miller et al's (2016) survey of users based in the USA showed that the 304 recruited participants only agreed on the meaning of emoji in 25% of cases. Researchers have also shown that there are differences in how people from different backgrounds use graphicons, with age, gender, levels of experience in using text-based communication, and of course cultural background all being said to impact on how people use them (Alshenqeeti, 2016;Baron, 2004;Lo, 2008;Markman and Oshima, 2007;Nishimura, 2015;Sampietro, 2016a).…”

Sarcasm in Written Communication: Emoticons are Efficient Markers of Intention

“…In early research (Walther & D'Addario, ) it was suggested that emoticons could function in a similar way to fixed expressions, such as “How do you do?” (Malinowski, 1923/); rather than carrying any specific meaning, they performed a social function. Emoticons have also been compared with punctuation, either serving to enhance it (Garrison, Remley, Thomas, & Wierszewski, ), or actually functioning as punctuation (Markman & Oshima, ). This latter suggestion may partly explain why, according to Ip (), emoticons are more effective at increasing valence ratings in the absence of standard punctuation (Ip, ).…”

Conversation analysis, cyberpsychology and online interaction

“…This extract demonstrates how users have found ways of approximating facial expressions to make sure their stance is understood (Markman & Oshima, 2007). We see both Isla and Joe making use of smilies, with Isla using a face with its tongue sticking out at the end of line 3, and Joe using a “sad face” smiley at the start of his turn.…”