Emoji is the fastest growing language in the UK, evolving even more rapidly than ancient languages such as hieroglyphics, a new research study has found.
According to a study conducted by TalkTalk Mobile in collaboration with Vyv Evans, linguistics professor at Bangor University, eight out of 10 Brits use symbols and icons to communicate, with 72 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds adding that they find it easier to communicate using its smiley faces and icons than text.
Around 29 per cent of Brits said they emoji in at least half of all text, instant messaging and social media communications they send. The survey took in 2,000 Brits aged 18 – 65 during May 2015.
“Emoji is the fastest growing form of language in history based on its incredible adoption rate and speed of evolution,” said Prof Evans.
“As a visual language emoji has already far eclipsed hieroglyphics, its ancient Egyptian precursor which took centuries to develop.”
“Unlike natural languages such as English, emoji is almost universally recognisable because it exploits the visual representation system. Emoji won’t replace traditional languages but it will increasingly be used to enhance them.”
However, nearly 54 percent of over 40s admit to having been confused about what the symbols mean, with 31 per cent claiming to have avoided using emoji in text, instant messaging and social media apps like Facebook because they lacked the confidence to use them appropriately.
“Given the utility and added value provided by emoji, their usage is expected to increase exponentially across all age and cultural groups,” added Professor Evans.
“While the uptake will differ by specific type of communication and function, it is not inconceivable that the majority of digital communication will feature emoji in future.”
The study also revealed the 10 most popular emojis used by Brits.
Here’s the list of Top 10 popular emojis in Britain-
1. Smiley face
2. Crying with laughter
3. Love heart
4. Beaming red cheeks
5. Thumbs up
6. Tongue out winking face
7. Blow kiss
8. Wink face
9. Confused
10. See no evil monkey
