Emoji Speak - by Jieun Kiaer

Book Synopsis

Providing an in-depth discussion of emoji use in a global context, this volume presents the use of emoji as a hugely important facet of computer-mediated communication, leading author Jieun Kiaer to coin the term 'emoji speak'.

Exploring why and how emojis are born, and the different ways in which people use them, this book highlights the diversity of emoji speak. Presenting the results of empirical investigations with participants of British, Belgian, Chinese, French, Japanese, Jordanian, Korean, Singaporean, and Spanish backgrounds, it raises important questions around the complexity of emoji use.

Though emojis have become ubiquitous, their interpretation can be more challenging. What is humorous in one region, for example, might be considered inappropriate or insulting in another. Whilst emoji use can speed up our communication, we might also question whether they convey our emotions sufficiently. Moreover, far from belonging to the youth, people of all ages now use emoji speak, prompting Kiaer to consider the future of our communication in an increasingly digital world.

Review Quotes

Emoji Speak considers how we currently communicate. Our work and social lives have increasingly moved onto computer and smartphone screens. Following the pandemic, this virtual migration is all but complete. Alongside this migration, the world has moved from using 'text speak' to using 'emoji speak'. This book provides an up-to-date study of emoji use in our communication. This is the first book to consider how emojis cross borders of language, culture, and nation state. It is also original in its study of emoji in relation to ethics, matters of law and censorship, and issues of diversity and representation. There are very few research monographs on this emerging topic, and Emoji Speak provides a holistic study of this new communication form and its implications worldwide.

Highlighted by illustrative examples, culturally diverse perspectives, and insightful pragmatic analyses, Kiaer's book - an introduction to the field of "Emoji Linguistics" - opens doors for anyone interested in researching and learning about emoji and their wide range of uses.

Recommended. Undergraduates through faculty; professionals.
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About the Author

Jieun Kiaer is Professor of Korean Language and Linguistics at the University of Oxford, UK.