Emoji is the fastest growing new language ever - but the over 40s feel left behind

We now find it easier to communicate through smiley faces and symbols, rather than words, according to linguistics expert
Kate Lough19 May 2015

Emoji is the fastest growing new language, a new study has revealed, with 8 in 10 Brits now using the picture symbols to communicate. Whatever emotion you're feeling, there's a little picture to describe it.

The 'Emoji IQ' study has shown that 72 per cent of those aged between 18-25 find it easier to express their emotions with emoji rather than words, with 40 per cent having sent text messages made up entirely of emoji. Why say it with words when you can say it with a winky face?

Professor Vyv Evans, linguistics professor at Bangor University, who collaborated with TalkTalk Mobile to conduct the research, said: "Emoji is the fastest growing form of language ever based on its incredible adoption rate and speed of evolution, As a visual language it has already far eclipsed hieroglyphics, its ancient Egyptian precursor which took centuries to develop."

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The most popular emoji have also been revealed and include the Smiley Face, Crying with Laughter and Love Heart. No idea what those things are? Well it seems you're not alone. Many people, especially those in the over-40 bracket, have admitted to being confused by the range of emoji and lack confidence in using them.

The top five most baffling emoji are: Reception Girl, Hallelujah Hands, Shifty Eyes, Dancing Girl and Unamused Face.

Love them or hate them, it seems we should all be doing our homework on emoji, as Evans adds: "It is not inconceivable that the majority of digital communication will feature emoji in the future."

Test your emoji IQ at testyouremojiiq.com

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