• 3 years ago
• Posted in:ETEC 540, Weekly Assignments
• 4
• Author: chowey

I mainly tried to use emojis to symbolize whole words connected to the ideas within the plot and title. In all honesty, I did not consider trying to use emojis to create syllables as upon reflection this would feel more like playing a game of charades than trying to be direct in my communication. If I try to imagine what that would look like as the receiver of a text in this form I imagine it to be very frustrating. I exclusively use emojis only within online communication and in casual settings with people I am close to. Part of using emojis as symbols as the message is to get the point across quickly at least in my mind. This relates to Bolter’s (2001) assertion that graphics in place of text transform “us from readers into viewers” (p.56). Our expectations as a viewer are different than our expectations as a reader. In this sense, I think that context matters as there is likely a shared understanding and pre-context so that when I use emojis with a familiar person our communication draws off of our shared understanding. I am not sure this would be the case entirely with strangers.

I started with the title as it just seemed like the logical thing to do and honestly, I can’t really think of a reason why I would not do so. Given that it is the minimal amount of translating required for this task so it makes sense to start there. If it were impossible or very difficult to translate the title I would likely choose a different text for this task. As an example, I considered using the tv show “Kath & Kim” as I have been rewatching that as well, but I knew that one would be very difficult to translate using emojis as the title are two proper nouns. The image of two women would not be enough context to identify the show. Even with the addition of an Australian flag people would still need to know about the show if they were to guess the title.

My final choice for this assignment was easier to convey although I was limited by the available icons in WhatsApp. Specifically, the colour of the flower and the hand position is not ideal for an accurate translation. I noticed that most of the hand gestures were facing the user and this was not helpful for my intended communication. If I were able to make slight alterations to the emojis I would have been able to clearly translate my title. This limitation places emojis as less useful than words in this particular task in communicating a direct message. 

I also chose this text because it was one that I am actually currently watching and enjoying. I knew there would be some compromises that would have to be made in translating the title and plot but I also knew it would not be impossible. I also knew that it would be unlikely that another person would choose the same text and I felt this would make the task more interesting. Although it would be interesting to see how different people translated a common text. 

I am satisfied with my end result but I recognize that using this form of communication with the current limitations does not fully communicate the title and plot with full accuracy. 

Works Cited

Bolter, J. D. (2001). Writing space: Computers, hypertext, and the remediation of print (2nd ed.). Mahwah, N.J: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. doi:10.4324/9781410600110