Exploring The Usage Of Emojis In Formal Settings: Testing Sapir Whorf Hypothesis Via Linguistics Relativity Lenz

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to investigate the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of linguistic relativity by investigating the use of emojis in formal communication situations. Emojis, while commonly associated with informal or casual conversation, are increasingly being used in official circumstances (Rehman & Butt, 2024). This study examines their inclusion into formal communication to see whether their existence affects language perception and cognition, as proposed by the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. The suitable method of this study was qualitative in which an online survey with semi-structured closed-ended and open-ended questions was done with 10 volunteers who had been working in formal settings for at least 5 years. These individuals had an excellent notion regarding linguistic relativity. The data were analysed qualitatively by theme analysis. This study used linguistic analysis and experimental approaches to investigate the possible influence of emojis on language structure, semantics, and communication dynamics in formal settings (Abbasi et al., 2024). The findings add to our knowledge of how language features like emojis impact perception and expression in various communicative situations, influencing both linguistic theory and practical applications in formal communication settings. Future research can incorporate a robust longitudinal dataset offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of digital communication and language.