Abstract

In this article, we claim that social representations are constructed discursively and that, together with verbal resources, it is necessary to highlight the role of other semiotic means. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the functions performed by emojis in the discursive representations of LGBTIQ+ people from the comments section of news posted on Facebook by Chilean media between 2019 and 2021. In the theoretical framework, the description of these resources is revised from a pragmatic point of view, as well as their relation to emotions. This research fits in the interpretative research paradigm, using a qualitative approach of corpus analysis. Empirically Grounded Theory was used for data collection and analysis, specifically, constant comparison, theoretical sampling and different coding strategies. The analysis shows that emojis are used to express attitudes in favor or against LGBTIQ+ people through: a) emotion simulation and b) the representation of LGBTIQ+ people. © 2023 Universidad Catolica Silva Henriquez. All rights reserved.