Draft Two

Megan Ward

Can you speak Emji?

(Insert Emoji’s)

If you’re confused by these picture messages then you are not alone! Emoji’s have become very

popular over the last few years; merchandising, clothing, food and even a film. However, most

people have no clue about the true meaning of emoji’s and with different mobile companies utilizing

variations of emoji’s, they can easily be lost in translation. However, this does not stop adults from

using them. As my mom is constantly using the laughing crying emoji instead of just the laughing

emoji….on every message. Do you feel emoji’s are becoming their own language, that only the youth

of today can decipher?

In the new BBC One Documentary “Emoji: The Language” superbly explores the issues surrounding

emoji’s and asks the question whether could replace language. The documentary highlights that the

younger generation is using them more frequency whilst adults are struggling to keep up or use

them in the correct context. In fact, ‘while emoji’s used to be predominantly texted by teens,

today there are more 25-29-Year-Olds identifying as “frequent users” (75.9%) than Under-25-Year-

Olds (72.2%). More than six out of 10 in the age 35+ crowd self-identify as frequent users.’

Throughout, the documentary the presenter Becky Ung, an English Literature student, investigates

into the ideologies behind the Emoji. This documentary does an excellent job of portraying how

different generations = use emoji’s and their understanding , or usually lack, of their meanings.

During the program, we see the younger generations and older generations separated to show their

clear divide of opinions of their new use of software. It raises awareness of the issues that can occur

from misinterpreting the meanings of different emoji’s. However, it does not more confuse viewers

more. This documentary “Emoji: The language” offers a true insight for viewers into this alternative

form of expression and how it is influences the younger generations of our world. Using fantastic
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Megan Ward
comedic elements that engages both teens and parents alike, it shows how adults struggle to

decipher common everyday sayings in the forms of Emoji. succeeds in showing the generational gap,

which is leading some to be it could become it’s own language.

Mike Green, an A level English teacher, gives his verdict on this growing trend forming it’s own

dialect, to be that emoji’s can only aid language but will never replace. This view is further validated

by a hospital volunteer at a local children’s ward that Emoji’s are used to help children to signal their

emotions, in particular children with disabilities and illnesses that affect their communication skills.

Through this “Emoji: The Language” meritoriously establishes how emoji’s can be used to aid

linguistic skills and subsequently eliminates the negative sigma surrounding Emoji’s damaging

language and communication with it’s simplicity.

Overall the documentary ‘Emoji: The New Language’ by Becky Ung, was very effective and

informative in the growth of Emoji’s and how they could be seen to be evolving into their own

language. Do you think Emoji’s could be their own language? To find out watch “Emoji: The

Language” on BBC One at 7PM on Thursday 22nd March.