Representation of Female Figures in Whatsapp Emojis : Visual Semiotic Analysis

Abstract

WhatsApp emoji is a feature of the WhatsApp application that depicts human expressions. Emojis have now been developed to add gender representation, male and female emojis. The appearance of a female figure in this emoji is important for some people. The aims of this research are (1) to identify the signs of female figures contained in the WhatsApp emoji, and (2) to interpret the meaning of female figures represented semiotically in the WhatsApp emoji. This research used visual semiotic theory proposed by Charles Sanders Pierce's. This research is qualitative descriptive research. By applying interactive model in data analysis the results of this research show that (1) In the female emoji there are 39 legisign signs, each emoji is interpreted according to its sign. (2) The sign is the emoji itself, which depicts, in general, an abstract representation of various concepts, emotions, objects, and ideas. The object represents the actual entity or concept that the emoji is made of. The interpretant signifies how the viewer understands or interprets the emoji. The female emoji is used according to the supporting text used by the user. Some female emojis are not used according to their meaning, but it is used according to the conditions of the sentence or the preferences of each user. The results of the analysis of legisign verbal communication on female emoji have facial features such as eyes, lips, and hair styled in a way to suggest a female appearance. Emojis representing women may wear clothing that is traditionally considered feminine. The female emoji can be accessorized with items, which are culturally associated with femininity. The Female emoji postures and gestures often reflect gender norms. Such as, a representing a woman is shown in a graceful or elegant pose.