THE STRUCTURE OF OPINION EXPRESSIONS FOUND IN THE KETCHUP APPLICATION

Abstract

This research article aims to examine the syntactic structures of opinion expressions on the Ketchup application. It is a qualitative study focusing on the linguistic features and structural patterns of such expressions. Data were collected over a one-month period from all posts made by twelve artists within the application. Specifically, the first 50 posts by the band BUS were selected, from which a total of 1,950 opinion expressions were gathered and analyzed using the framework of traditional Thai grammar. The findings revealed that among the collected expressions, 1,732 were complete sentences. These were classified into four types: 1,720 simple sentences encompassing ten structural patterns, and ten compound sentences with ten structural patterns. While both simple and compound sentences exhibited a variety of structures, all were centered around verbs as the core syntactic component. Additionally, one complex sentence and one compound-complex sentence were identified; both were long and structurally intricate without the presence of explicit conjunctions, consisting of a main clause and a subordinate clause. Most sentences were
either simple or incomplete, characterized by subject omission, word repetition, and the use of semi-formal or youth-oriented language aimed at conveying emotion in a concise and direct manner. The nature of opinion expressions in online media tends to reflect high linguistic flexibility. Users prioritize fast, concise, and emotionally expressive communication over strict adherence to grammatical conventions. This reflects the evolution of language usage shaped by technological contexts and the communication culture of the digital age within specific user communities.