ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My deepest gratitude runs deep to God who never seems to run out of favor for
me. Through many trials and tribulations (academically, emotionally, and physically),
I was given the perseverance and the means to survive, and this thesis entitled Emoji
Use in A Politeness Strategy in WhatsApp Chatrooms for Academic Purposes has
finally reached its final form. I believe that these are one of the pages where I, as the
researcher, am not as bound by formal academic writing rules as the rest of the contents
of this thesis. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to write a semi-formal
acknowledgment without reducing my respect and gratefulness towards all these
amazing people mentioned below.

Firstly, I am intellectually indebted to these amazing lecturers and educators

who have been very helpful to my journey in completing my studies. All these
milestones would not have been possible without my thesis advisors: Ma’am Delita
Sartika, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. and Ma’am Dr. Reli Handayani, S.S., M.Pd. who have
provided me with endless emotional and academic support since the beginning of
writing this thesis—particularly Ma’am Reli who has also been guiding me as my
academic advisor since 2019. Grateful, prideful, and joyful are understatements of how
much I could express about the generosity, thoughtfulness, and trust given to me
throughout the process. I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to
Sir Drs. Adrefiza, M.A, Ph.D., Sir Drs. Ahmad Ridha, M.A., and Sir Dedy Kurniawan
S.S, M.A. for agreeing to be a part of the board of reviewers and examiners of my thesis
defense. My research would not have reached its full potential without their valuable
input, guidance, kind encouragement, and great interest in my research itself.

In addition, I would like to thank Sir Dedy Kurniawan S.S, M.A. (once more)
and Sir Dr. Yanto, S.Pd., M.Pd. whose classes helped me discover and rediscover my
passion for language—especially linguistics and writing. It has been a privilege to have
someone as eminent as them believe in me and my potential. Not to forget, a special
thanks to my previous academic advisor: Ma’am Susanah, S.Pd., M.Sc. (currently in
the States for her Ph.D.) for warmly welcoming me and guiding me wholeheartedly
since my first day at Jambi University. She will always be my mother figure in my
university life. I hope to join her soon in the States for my higher education.

Secondly, I would like to extend my gratitude to my beloved community who

has been with me and supported me generously since the very beginning. I am forever
thankful for:

1. My beloved kinship parents in the States for their endless support and love
in every possible way. This thesis would have taken longer to complete
without the academic guidance, compassion, and supporting system
provided for me. Mom and Dad, what would I be without you?
2. Maple 19, my mom and my brothers here who never fail to encourage me
when life gets too hard for me to carry on and to show consideration and
compassion to me when the writing process got overwhelming. I love you
in every universe.
3. Ko Sutarno Wang, A.Md., S.Pd., M.Pd. and my colleagues in MET English
Course for being a teacher and a shelter since elementary school. I have
greatly improved due to their assistance in my academic and career life
these last five years. My English skills wouldn’t have reached this stage
without them and their faith in me.
4. The Bananas, my 7+ years support system since high school. Thank you for
always taking me out and convincing me that life is not just about striving
but also having fun. My life outside this academia would have been blue
and gray without you all. You guys are the best support system in this
universe. I am proud to be another member with a college degree.
5. Nia Virdiana, S.Pd., my lovely friend who has been with me throughout
high school and college. What a blessing it had been for us to be in the same
class, studying at the same university, and aiming for the same degree. I
could barely survive college without you by my side, honestly.
 6. Johana Immanuella, S.Sos., another lovely friend who has showered me
with emotional and academic support, cheered me up with her jokes, and
has comforted me tremendously from junior high school until now. Life has
been more colorful since you, Jo.
7. Eileen Monica, Celine Yovita, Valencia You, and Elizabeth The, my
promising little sisters with a bright future with all your talents and wits.
Thank you for looking up to me and putting me on a pedestal. I am glad to
be one of the many reasons for your resilience. Your faith and admiration
for me greatly influenced me to keep improving myself. I wish you a
flowery road and the same kindness I get while completing my degree.
Additionally, Ce Yuni Artha The, S.Kom. who gave me academic advice
and kind words during the stressful process of writing this. I am blessed to
have you all by my side in this sisterhood.
8. A special acknowledgment to BTS, my source of perseverance since high
school, my bulletproof vest in making my way in a world full of prejudices.
Thank you for everything you have shown me; I have learned to strive, rest,
love myself, and live life gradually with your music.
9. Not to forget, I present my sincere appreciation to you all the other people
who have taken part, whether big or small. Thank you for seeing museums
in me when all I could see were empty hallways.

Lastly, the most significant acknowledgment goes to the biggest contributor to

this thesis: me. Thank you for keeping the faith up. Thank you for exploring and
pushing this emoji research since your sixth semester. Thank you for all the striving.
Your fifteen-year-old self must be so proud of you now. You have thrived. I owe and
appreciate you the most. Cheers to us!

After all said and done, I am aware that my work may not reach one hundred
percent perfection as there might have been some things I overlooked while writing
and compiling this thesis. In case of any inadequacy found later in this work, I am more
than welcome to receive constructive criticism and valuable feedback. I hope this
research can inspire and benefit all of us. My love for linguistics runs deep, and I am
very much obliged to be given the chance to conduct this research and satisfy my
curiosity. I hope to always be the source of your pride—just like this thesis is to me.

Jambi, 22 June 2022

Amelia Felisha
NIM. A1B217032