An Analysis of the use of Emojis in Digital Communication

Authors

  • Shaista Ghazanfar PhD Scholar, Department of English, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Pakistan
  • Dr. Saira Maqbool Assistant Professor, Department of English, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
  • Dr. Rubina Masum Assistant Professor, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v10i1.933

Abstract

The current study aims to explore whether emojis render same meanings to all individuals. It also discusses different interpretations of whatsapp emojis results in miscommunication. Writing, pictograms, symbols, signs and other modes of communication when used collectively, reinforce each other to make communication more effective. Emojis, an advanced form of pictograms and one of the most used means of communication by new generation are graphical by nature and are open to interpretation. In this digitalized world, emojis are universally used by everyone to presents one’s feelings and thought vibrantly. Quantitative research design was employed. A sample size of 100 learners from 2 public and 2 private universities was selected to get data through a closed ended questionnaire carrying 50 randomly selected emojis used in whatsapp having different meanings. Data were analyzed through SPSS software for interpretation of results by employing standard deviation, and independent sample t-test. It was concluded that different participants were of varied opinion about the same emojis. Difference in gender also affects the interpretation of meaning due to their own sub-cultures

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Published

2022-03-24

How to Cite

Ghazanfar, S., Maqbool, D. S., & Masum, D. R. (2022). An Analysis of the use of Emojis in Digital Communication. VFAST Transactions on Education and Social Sciences, 10(1), 156–168. https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v10i1.933