Abstract :

In the landscape of modern education, the integration of technology, particularly within language learning, has gained substantial scholarly attention. Among digital platforms, WhatsApp has undergone a notable transformation, evolving from a basic messaging application to a versatile social hub. Its role expanded significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a pivotal tool for online teaching and learning activities, prevalent not only in higher education but also across secondary levels. While existing studies have predominantly focused on user interaction within WhatsApp, limited attention has been directed toward the technical aspects or the application’s usage in the teaching and learning process. This research aims to comprehensively explore WhatsApp’s potential as a facilitator for English language studies, employing a semiotic multimodal analysis approach guided by Poulsen’s seminal work on semiotic technology. The study delves into WhatsApp’s intricate network of semiotic resources, semiotic regimes, and interactions, unveiling the complex interplay between language elements, multimodal features, and cultural aspects within this digital realm. Through the lens of semiotics, multimodal studies, and social semiotics, this investigation endeavors to offer a holistic understanding of WhatsApp’s use as an educational tool, shedding light on its multifaceted role in contemporary educational contexts.

---

Keywords :

Covid-19/New normal, Multimodal analysis, Online Learning, Semiotic Technology, Social Media, Whatsapp

---

References :

1. Adami, E. (2018). Styling the self online: Semiotic technologization in weblog publishing. Social Semiotics, 28(5), 601–622. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2018.1504713
2. Andini, C., Sosrohadi, S., Fairuz, F., Dalyan, M., Rahman, F. F., & Hasnia, H. (2022). The study of Japanese women in the facial treatment advertisement: A semiotics perspective of pierce’s theory. ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 5(2), 337-347.
3. Amalia, Y., Rahman, F., Rahayu, N. E., Simamora, D. M., & Zulpriyadi, F. (2022). Review the Nature of learning Methods Learning Process in School. Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan, 6(2), 2319-2325.
4. Atmojo, A. E. P., & Nugroho, A. (2020). EFL classes must go online! Teaching activities and challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Register Journal, 13(1), 49–76. https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v13i1.49-76
5. Budianto, L., & Arifani, Y. (2021). Utilizing WhatsApp-Driven Learning during COVID-19 Outbreak: EFL Users’ Perceptions and Practices. Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 22(1), 264–281.
6. Chapelle, C. A. (2001). Computer applications in second language acquisition. Cambridge University Press.
7. Djonov, E., & Van Leeuwen, T. (2018). Social media as semiotic technology and social practice: The case of ResearchGate’s design and its potential to transform social practice. Social Semiotics, 28(5), 641–664. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2018.1504715
8. Febrianto, P. T., Mas’udahdah, S., & Megasari, L. A. (2020). Implementation of online learning during the covid-19 pandemic on Madura Island, Indonesia. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(8), 233–254. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.8.13
9. Fink, A. (2010). Conducting research literature reviews: From the internet to paper. SAGE.
10. Fink, A. (2019). Conducting research literature reviews: From the internet to paper. SAGE Publications.
11. Georgakopoulou, A., & Spilioti, T. (2015). The Routledge Handbook of Language and Digital Communication. Routledge.
12. Gonulal, T. (2019). The use of instagram as a mobile-assisted language learning tool. Contemporary Educational Technology, 10(3), 309–323. https://doi.org/10.30935/cet.590108
13. Hartatik, S. F., & Lestari, H. D. (2021). Penggunaan WhatsApp sebagai Media Komunikasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris. Jurnal Nomosleca, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.26905/nomosleca.v7i1.5535
14. Hasyim, M., & Arafah, B. (2022). Narrativity and multimodal communication in the new media age. In Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and Education (ICOLLITE 2022) (pp. 344–350). Atlantis Press SARL. http://dx.doi.org/10.2991/978-2-494069-91-6_54
15. Hasyim, M., & Arafah, B. (2023a). Semiotic multimodality communication in the age of new media. Studies in Media and Communication, 11(1), 96. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v11i1.5865
16. Hasyim, M., & Arafah, B. (2023b). Semiotic multimodality communication in the age of new media. Studies in Media and Communication, 11(1), 96. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v11i1.5865
17. Hendrawaty, N., Angkarini, T., & Retnomurti, A. B. (2021). EFL undergraduate students’ perceptions of online learning applications during the COVID-19 outbreak. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 54(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v54i1.31763
18. Jay@TheGuide. (2022, November 3). You can now bundle group chats together on WhatsApp. The Guide Liverpool. https://theguideliverpool.com/you-can-now-bundle-group-chats-together-on-whatsapp/
19. Jewitt, C., & Kress, G. R. (2003). Multimodal literacy. New Literacies and Digital Epistemologies.
20. Kress, G. R. (2010). Multimodality: A social semiotic approach to contemporary communication. Taylor & Francis.
21. Kress, G. R., & Leeuwen, T. V. (2001). Multimodal discourse: The modes and media of contemporary communication. Hodder Education.
22. Leeuwen, T. V. (2005). Introducing social semiotics. Psychology Press.
23. Leeuwen, T. V. (2008). Discourse and practice: New tools for critical discourse analysis. Oxford University Press.
24. Levy, M. (2009). Technologies in use for second language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 93(s1), 769–782. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2009.00972.x
25. Muchtar, J., Sahib, H., & Rahman, F. The Refusal Catcalling Strategy by Women in Makassar: Semiotics Analysis. IJCSRR, 5(6), 2941-2951.
26. Munir, S., Erlinda, R., & Afrinursalim, H. (2021). Students’ views on the use of whatsapp during covid-19 pandemic: A study at IAIN batusangkar. IJELTAL (Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics), 5(2), 323. https://doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v5i2.740
27. Poulsen, S. V. (2007). Semiotic technology and language learning: Implementations of semiotic technology in language education. Educational Technology & Society, 10(3), 113–124.
28. Poulsen, S. V. (2021a). Face off – a semiotic technology study of software for making deepfakes. Sign Systems Studies, 49(3–4), 489–508. https://doi.org/10.12697/sss.2021.49.3-4.12
29. Poulsen, S. V. (2021b). Face off – a semiotic technology study of software for making deepfakes. Sign Systems Studies, 49(3–4), 489–508. https://doi.org/10.12697/sss.2021.49.3-4.12
30. Poulsen, S. V., Kvåle, G., & van Leeuwen, T. (2018). Special issue: Social media as semiotic technology. Social Semiotics, 28(5), 593–600. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2018.1509815
31. Rahman, F., & Weda, S. (2018). Students’ perceptions in appreciating English literary works through critical comment: A case study at Hasanuddin University and Universitas Negeri Makassar. Asian EFL Journal, 20(3), 149-172.
32. Rahman, F., Abbas, A., Hasyim, M., Rahman, F., Abbas, A., & Hasyim, M. (2019). Facebook group as media of learning writing in ESP context: A case study at Hasanuddin University. Asian EFL Journal Research Articles, 26(6.1), 153-167.
33. Ramdhani, T. (2021). The use of Whatsapp social media as reinforcement online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Indonesian Journal of Digital Business, 1(1), 39–42. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijdb.v1i1.34355
34. Sukmawaty, Rahman, F., & Andini, C. (2022). Covid-19 Pandemic and Axiology of Communication: A Study of Linguistic Phenomena.IJISRT, 7(4), 1079-1087.
35. Supeno, Darsono, Hadi Saputro, S., Nugraheni Sri Lestari, V., Suhaemi, I., Rodli, F., Adhi Prasnowo, M., Barid Nizarudin Wajdi, M., Achdisty Noordyana, M., & Permatasari, F. (2019). Utilization of Whatsapp application as communication media in language teaching and learning at FBS UWKS. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1175, 012262. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1175/1/012262
36. Suryana, I., Hidantikarnillah, V., & Murwantono, D. (2021). A narrative inquiry of language teachers� perceptions and experiences in using WhatsApp during New Normal Post-Covid-19 era. EduLite: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture, 6(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.30659/e.6.1.55-70
37. Thurlow, C., & Brown, A. (2003). Generation Txt? The sociolinguistics of young people’s text-messaging. Discourse Analysis Online, 1(1), 1–16.
38. Warschauer, M., Shetzer, H., & Meloni, C. F. (2000). Internet for english teaching. Teachers of English to.
39. Weda, S., Atmowardoyo, H., Rahman, F., Said, M. M., & Herman, H. (2023). Lecturers’Perception of Online Learning and Its Associated Factors in the Midst of Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science, 6(5), 100-106
40. Zhao, S., & van Leeuwen, T. (2014). Understanding semiotic technology in university classrooms: A social semiotic approach to PowerPoint-assisted cultural studies lectures. Classroom Discourse, 5(1), 71–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463014.2013.859848
41. Zhao, S., & Zappavigna, M. (2018). The interplay of (semiotic) technologies and genre: The case of the selfie. Social Semiotics, 28(5), 665–682. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2018.1504724m