Emojis as Linguistic Cues: An Analysis of Written Digital Communication

Abstract

The importance of emojis (colorful pictorial
characters) in convincing and understanding communication in
this digital world cannot be ignored. This study attempts to
investigate the relevance of emojis as linguistic cues in written
digital communication. To achieve this objective, the researcher
collected 300 screenshots of WhatsApp messages
communicated among male and female students at Abdul Wali
Khan University Mardan. The collected data was categorized
according to primary emotions as presented by Vyvyan Evans.
The data were analyzed for the expression of emotions through
emojis and for communicative channels, which is mainly in
digital nonverbal communication. The results indicated several
interesting facts: firstly, emojis provide us with a
communicative channel; Secondly, one can better express his or
her primary emotions such as love, surprise, anger, joy,
sadness, and fear through emojis; Thirdly, receivers can
interpret messages correctly when relevant emojis are added to
it. The results of the study are consistent with the study of
Vyvyan Evans, in which he has indicated the importance of
emojis in this digital age. This study has implications for the
innovative use of emojis to ensure that communication is clear,
comprehensive and effective.