"A COMMUNICATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE EVOLUTION OF SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE. CASE STUDY: EMOJIS "

Abstract

The paper tackles the evolution of the symbolic language, more precisely, it focuses on a novel form of digital communication known as emojis. It has been commonly accepted that in the post 2.0 web era few concepts have been so richly delineated, have become so visible and have spread so rapidly in both mainstream and niche culture. The aim of this study is to highlight intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics which led to the mass popularization and use of emojis, as well as communicational implications pertaining to this phenomenon. From the standpoint of communication studies, the emergence of the concept has brought about valuable and interesting changes in both global etymology and semantics, thus identifying an inherent necessity to examine it. The present paper also aims to identify how teenagers from Western Romania, ages 14 to 18, use this new way of communicating and the reasons behind opting for emojis. Furthermore, the research conducted in Arad seeks to establish the specific aspects which shape the way teenagers use emojis when interacting among themselves and outside the dynamic of their preferred group.