Journal Article

The Communicative Functions, Topics, and Gender in SMS Text Messages

Achili, Nora

2021

Overview

This study explored the communicative functions and topics addressed in SMS texting and the differences in use across gender. 360 text messages created by Algerian EFL students were collected and analyzed. Eight categories of function emerged from the data, namely coordination of social life, expression of feelings, exchange of information, greetings, greeting on special occasions, discussion of the Internet/ phone connection issues, and comment on events. Further findings on the covered topics highlighted seven main topics, namely love and friendship, planning activities, greetings, special occasion greetings, school topics, and the Internet/ phone connection subject. Regarding gender, distinctions in terms of SMS use and topics were additionally noted. The results highlighted differences in SMS use with females' employment of text messages for expressing feelings and coordinating school issues, contrary to males who used messages for requests and commenting on events. Differences were also reported regarding the topics addressed in messages. The findings revealed females' higher inclination to discuss love and friendship issues, greeting on special occasions, and school matters. In contrast, males were substantially more concerned over the recipients' welfare and planning of social activities. Consistently, the statistical treatment of the results confirmed the gender impact on both issues of function and topic.

• Publisher: جامعة الجزائر 2 - كلية اللغة العربية وآدابها واللغات الشرقية
• Subject: الرسائل القصيرة / العلاقات الاجتماعية / طلبة الجامعات