It was more challenging than I expected trying to translate the movie title and plot into emojis. I originally wanted to focus on the title itself because the words in the title are commonly used and its meaning is fairly straightforward. However, there was no corresponding emoji available on the Emoji keyboard. I resorted to the ideas and characters of the movie, hoping that the chosen emojis also brought up the same ideas/themes for the readers.

This activity first reminded me of Gretchen McCulloch’s interview on the podcast The Allusionist from last week, where she talked about gestures and visuals such as Emojis being culturally bound and what people make of the emojis depending on their experience, cultural context and linguistic context. I pored over the emojis available hoping to find the most obvious one but knowing that it is not universal. Even the search bar was of little help in searching for the emoji as their descriptions don’t match the visual image (in my interpretation). I could not find the emojis for the specific emotions I was looking for – which is quite ironic (it will make sense once you know which movie I am referring to). I thought this movie would be easy to translate because it is what “emojis” are supposed to communicate (*hint*).

By lining up these emojis, I wondered if I was creating what Kress refers to as a strict order established by the writer, requiring the reader to follow and interpret signifiers. I am assuming that the reader will be reading from left to right (starting with the movie emoji). Does the sequence in that I laid out these emojis affect the readers and their chance of figuring out what movie I am referring to? Are the emojis an effective choice in telling a story or am I displaying a selection of elements associated with the movie, with no narration of the plot? I was also mindful of picking the correct visual representation of the main character’s ethnicity and trying to find the emoji that looks most like them.

On a personal note, this activity got me reflecting on how I post on social media. On image-sharing platforms, such as Instagram, I will often post an image followed by emojis as a description rather than words. I often thought this was the most concise and easiest way of communicating because instead of writing sentences on where I went and what activities I participated in – I could just use 4 or 5 emojis in their place. But from a reader’s perspective, it may not necessarily mean the same thing and since communication is constantly evolving, I realize that there is a chance of miscommunication with someone from another culture or generation, or with a different experience.

Reference

Kress, G. (2005), Gains and losses: New forms of texts, knowledge, and learning. Computers and Composition, 2(1), 5-22.

Zaltzman, H. (Host). (2019, July 13). New rules (No. 102). [Audio podcast episode]. In The allusionist.

Hello! My name is Julia. I am a MET student currently on my 9th and 10th course this term. I live in Metro Vancouver, BC. For this activity, I chose the book bag that I carry with me to cafes and libraries. This black tote bag contains items that I use daily including keys, wallet, glasses, hair scrunchies, AirPods, laptop, laptop cover, pencil case, Moleskin journal, hand lotion, and a book I’m currently reading. Each of these items serves a specific purpose (e.g. I pull out my wallet to pay for my coffee or put on AirPods to listen to a podcast), while some items serve a purpose when paired together (e.g. laptop case with the laptop, or pen to write in the journal).

These items can be considered ‘texts’ as they communicate information about who I am, although the information is limited and up to the interpretation of the viewer. For example, by seeing the written text ‘Single origin month – 49th parallel coffee roasters’ with the picture of the earth in a mug – one could assume that I’m really into coffee or ethical sourcing practices. Another possible interpretation is that I’m into environments by looking at the reusable tote bag with a picture of the earth. I would say it is a fair assumption. I do enjoy coffee and prefer reusable tote bags (especially since this one is so sturdy and holds many books without stretching). However, I do not know much about ethical sourcing or where coffee comes from. This bag was a gift from a friend who thought I could use a good book bag. Moreover, I often carry a book I’m reading. This week’s book happens to be a collaboration between an illustrator named ‘Worry Lines’ and a Korean writer about ‘self-gardening’. It draws a parallel between growing a garden and self-nurturing. Each page contains an illustration and a short blurb. This item could indicate that I am either fluent in Korean or learning to read Korean. Along with the book, the journal and pencil case could be saying that I like to write or draw to express myself. Cumulatively, these items could be communicating that I spend my time in a coffee shop either reading a book or writing in my journal.

In my bag, digital technologies include a laptop, AirPods, and a cellphone (not in the photo, as it was used to take this picture). I use my laptop and cellphone to communicate and connect in social media, learning space (e.g. Slack, Mattermost, Canvas), and search the internet. I put on my AirPods to listen to music on the Spotify App on my phone or Podcasts. These items indicate a degree of digital literacy and access to greater sources of information (e.g. search engines, online libraries) as well as space to connect and communicate with various people and cultures. Furthermore, these technologies can be used to translate language with a click of a button, watch a movie or series on Netflix, and share photos or videos with friends and family all over the world.

The contents of the bag could indicate that I’m a digitally literate person who enjoys having access to technology and using it when needed, but also appreciate being offline, and reading a book at a cafe while journaling. I would say that is similar to how I view myself. I enjoy having a balance, and when I’m not taking a course or needing to use a computer to work – I prefer being offline and disconnected from technology. This bag does not show my love for the outdoors, as the items are more geared toward my trip to the cafe to read or work on my assignments. If an archaeologist was looking at this bag in the future, he or she may note how pen and paper, along with a paperback was still preferred by some people, while others preferred to use iPad or Kindle. I enjoy the process of writing on a piece of paper for certain tasks like a personal letter or reflective journal, while I prefer to use my laptop for writing essays or professional emails where I have access to grammar and spelling checks, and the ability to edit more easily.