Genre Analysis of WhatsApp Group Chat among Students at University

Abstract

Aim: This study examined Whatsapp group chat in connection with its influence on proficiency in English.

Methods: Employing purposive sampling and mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach to research, a group chat used for educational purposes by selected students of the University of Cape Coast, was analysed.

Findings: the study revealed that most of the group members were not living in the same area within campus. Hence, the use of backchannel signals (Ok) with the sole aim of ascertaining whether communication is progressive and the information passed is well deciphered. Additionally, the study also shows that unlike drama, Oh is sparingly used on Whatsapp chat whereas Ok and its deviant form, were generously used. Ok was used to indicate initialization of conversation, reception of an information or message and closure of a conversational sequence. It was also shown that both Oh and Ok do not affect the truth conditions of the text; neither does it add any special meaning to the propositional content of the chat.

Recommendation: In view of the findings that Oh and Ok do not enhance grammaticality of a sentence nor does it create propositional meaning, it was recommended that students should balance their use of Whatsapp messenger because much dependence on it for communication purposes could erode students’ grammatical construction of sentences as well as spellings in the English language.

Contribution to the body of knowledge: investigating the use of discourse markers on WhatsApp group chat fills the knowledge gap regarding Whatsapp group chats among university students and educationists.

Keywords: Whatsapp, Group Chats, University Students, Discourse Marker, English Language

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-35-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2023