Backchanneling in LINE messaging application

Abstract

Back channel is an important tool that allows two people to understand the conversation better. When the communication happens via Line Application, the conversation cannot be heard or seen. Therefore, it is hard to interpret back channel messages and predict the feelings and emotions of the participants. This study analyzes the feelings corresponding to back channel in the conversation taking place in Line Application between two groups, namely the addresser and the addressee. The research results show that both groups show the same pattern in choosing back channel and perceiving the feelings attached to the messages. Back channels were divided into 3 groups: good, bad and neutral feelings. Good feelings include such words as “ja”, “kha”, “dai dai” and “ok” (only the addressee). Bad feelings include such words as “errr”, “um”, “uh” and neutral feelings include such words as “K”, “kk”, “ok” (only the addresser), “akre”, “kre kre”, “um” (with falling tone), “dai”, “deal” and “tamnan”. This research is useful for reducing the misunderstandings between two participants concerning back channels.