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Language Evolution, Emoji Revolution

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July 9, 2016
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I’m emoji obsessed. I use them as much as possible, anywhere possible. This is probably a sign that I’m old, but I already knew that.

I wrote a post recently about the evolution of the period and whether or not it’s necessary to keep using it in a digital age. Natalie wrote one last week about the word (or non-word) “flustrated,” a word that smashes together flustered and frustrated … we guess? Along these lines, I’ve been thinking about my love of all emojis and how they may impact the written word.

Coming soon to a phone near you is a new round of 72 emojis including the face palm, bacon, and a selfie arm. I can’t help but think of these additions as something akin to the words that Merriam-Webster adds each year. They’re an evolution of how we need and want to be able to communicate with each other. Sometimes, there are absolutely no words better than this guy:

emoji

 

After all, aren’t emojis the more sophisticated version of emoticons? Cute though they were, the standard keyboard is somewhat limiting in expressing feelings.

Communicating so much through the written word can be frustrating sometimes. Emails and texts are super efficient, but not always the most effective way to convey more complex thoughts and feelings. When we talk face to face, we’re using more than words of course, there’s the drop of the brow, a crooked smile, arms crossed. We’re saying so much more than we’re saying. For me, that’s what the gap the emojis help to close between written communication and face-to-face. It’s also an opportunity to be less misunderstood because you can send along a near picture of what you want to convey along with the words.

I’m here to say, I’m all for it. I’m in favor of this evolution. I think it’s fascinating and fabulous and what a cool way that we’ve come up with to help make our digital communication more like sitting down to coffee with a friend. I won’t say it’s a replacement for that by any means, but it sure does help.

I have some friends who also text a ton of gifs to help express what they’re trying to say, and let’s not downplay the fun of Bitmoji. What do you think the next evolution of emojis will be? Are they here to stay or a passing fad? Are they ruining the way we text and talk? Any old school emoticon users out there? 😉

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Why don’t we communicate properly?

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August 26, 2015
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I recently blew through the entire first two and-a-half seasons of Orange Is the New Black. In one episode the inmates wrote pieces for a prison newspaper. One wrote in an editorial, “I could care less.” Another inmate explained that her peer ought to have written, “I couldn’t care less,” as the former suggests a sense of care whereas the intent was that the issue was entirely inconsequential. Another inmate interjected that colloquial use trumps proper syntax. To support her argument she then sited use of the word “literally.”

My world crashed down on me.

Not literally.

Language and all of its rules matter. This would be way better if right now I were to provide data and empirical evidence, but I have neither. I couldn’t think of any solid reasons aside from my mild superiority complex; I communicate well, therefore I belong to a greater breed of humans.

As awesome as that would be were it true, I don’t think I like the idea. It’s too judgmental and degrading for a human as kind and tolerant as I am.

We should all communicate properly because we can. Everyone communicates and everyone uses language, i.e., a body of common words and systems, to do it, be it English, Spanish, sign language, clicks and whistles, or Mandarin. Everyone learns and uses language to convey thoughts to others. Why, if we all demonstrate that we have learned language, do we not all use it properly? Apathy? Defiance? Insufficient education?

I am going to passively contemplate it while I binge watch more OITNB and probably for the rest of my life. Side note: Ever since the aforementioned episode I have fought hard to not totally resent Piper Chapman. In the meantime, share where you stand. Why do some of us communicate improperly? Further, when and how should we correct our not-so-well-spoken brethren? And just because I’m curious, have you caught yourself using a word like “literally” the wrong way?