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This research discussed the use of language in building and maintaining relationships through informal conversations on the WhatsApp platform. It aims to analyze the language patterns and daily communication strategies used in the WhatsApp platform between close friends using terms including discourse strategies, negotiating identity, alignment moves, and interactional dynamics. In this study, a qualitative discourse analysis approach was used, and data were collected through documentation of WhatsApp chat transcripts for one week with 5 participants. The finding of this study is that informal digital discourse, such as slang, abbreviations, and emoticons, serves as a powerful medium for performing relational work and sustaining social closeness.

digital communication, informal communication, language patterns, social closeness, WhatsApp platform.