The Use of Textual Paralanguage in Expressing Emotions

This study explores the use of textual paralanguage (TPL) in expressing emotions among students at Isabela State University. The research aimed to determine the frequency of TPL elements, such as emojis, repeated letters, typed laughter, excessive capitalization, and punctuation, in digital communication. A total of 100 respondents from the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies program were surveyed during the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design to examine the relationship between demographic variables (age, sex, and year level) and the use of TPL. The findings indicated that emojis, repeated letters, and typed laughter were the most frequently used forms of TPL for expressing emotions, while excessive capitalization and punctuation were less commonly used. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the respondents’ age or sex and their use of TPL. However, a significant difference was found between year levels and the use of typed laughter, although no such difference was observed for emojis, excessive capitalization, repeated letters, or punctuation. The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in Roland Barthes’ Semiotic Theory, which emphasizes the role of signs and symbols in meaning-making. Barthes’ concepts of signifiers (symbols or words) and signified (the meanings evoked) provide a lens through which to understand how TPL elements convey emotional meaning beyond their literal form. The study also highlights the cultural and contextual factors influencing the interpretation of these textual cues. Using an adapted survey instrument based on Durante (2016), data were collected and analyzed using simple random sampling. The study concludes that TPL significantly enhances emotional expression in digital communication, particularly in informal settings, and that it plays a vital role in clarifying emotional intent in online conversations.