Trắc nghiệm Unit 12 (What did you say?) - Sách COMPLETE PET

Reading passage 1 (11-17): Emojis and Modern Communication

In today's digital world, the way we communicate has changed dramatically, and one of the biggest changes is the rise of emojis. These small digital icons, from smiling faces to hearts and animals, have become a language of their own. Originally from Japan, the word 'emoji' means 'picture character'. They were created to add emotional context to text-based conversations, which often lack the tone of voice and body language found in face-to-face interactions. When you send a simple text message like "OK," the receiver might not know if you are happy, angry, or just being neutral. However, adding a smiling emoji makes the tone much friendlier and clearer, preventing potential misunderstandings that can easily arise from short, text-only messages. This simple addition helps to replicate the non-verbal cues we rely on in person.

Many people, especially younger generations, use emojis in almost every message they send. They believe emojis make conversations more fun, personal, and expressive. For them, a message without an emoji can sometimes feel cold or incomplete. However, this growing reliance has sparked debate among linguists, who study language. Some argue that overusing emojis could weaken our writing skills, as people might choose a simple picture instead of finding the precise words to express nuanced feelings. They worry that complex ideas cannot be fully explained with simple icons and that future generations may struggle to articulate their thoughts in detailed written form if they lean too heavily on visual shortcuts.

On the other hand, many experts see emojis as a positive evolution of language. They point out that emojis can cross language barriers. A thumbs-up icon is understood in many different cultures, making digital communication more universal. Furthermore, they don't replace words but rather complement them, adding an emotional layer that text alone cannot convey. This is particularly important in professional settings, where the tone of an email can be easily misjudged. Businesses are increasingly using emojis in marketing to appear more relatable and in internal communications to foster a friendlier work environment. However, there are risks involved. The same emoji can look different on various devices and platforms, and its meaning can differ significantly between cultures, potentially leading to confusion or even offence. For example, the 'folded hands' emoji might mean 'please' or 'thank you' in one culture, but could be interpreted as prayer in another. Despite these challenges, it's undeniable that emojis have secured a permanent place in the way we talk to each other online.