THE PRAGMATICS OF COMMUNICATION IN ONLINE GAMING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31851/qjqmvt94Keywords:
Online Gaming, Pragmatics, Computer-Mediated Communication, Digital Discourse, Politeness StrategiesAbstract
Online multiplayer games have become dynamic digital environments where players communicate and collaborate in real time to accomplish shared objectives. This study investigates the pragmatic features of player communication by analyzing text and voice interactions during gameplay. The findings reveal that players employ various communicative strategies, including giving instructions, requesting assistance, providing warnings, encouraging teammates, and expressing emotions. To support rapid decision-making, they frequently use abbreviations, gaming jargon, and concise expressions that facilitate efficient interaction. The interpretation of these expressions is highly context-dependent, influenced by gameplay situations, player relationships, and ongoing events. Despite the competitive nature of online games, politeness strategies remain evident, as players often express appreciation, apologize for mistakes, and use supportive language to maintain cooperation. Occasional disagreements also demonstrate how language is used to negotiate social relationships in virtual settings. Overall, the study shows that online multiplayer games have developed distinctive communicative practices and sociolinguistic norms shaped by continuous interaction among players from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. These findings highlight that communication in online gaming extends beyond information exchange to include cooperation, identity construction, and the development of meaningful social relationships.
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