In this study, we examined how emoji use in text messaging is influenced by the grammatical norms of the user's native language, with a focus on Japanese speakers. Following Cohn et al's (2019) findings that English speakers align their emoji sequences with English's SVO word order, we investigated if a similar pattern emerges among Japanese users, whose language typically follows an SOV order. Engaging twenty native Japanese adults in a series of text-based conversations using Google Hangouts on iPads, we structured our experiment into rounds where participants communicated using either solely Japanese text, emojis, or a combination of both. Our findings revealed a pronounced preference for SOV or OV sequences in emoji use, closely mirroring Japanese grammatical tendencies, notably the optional nature of the subject in sentences. The study further explored the substitution of words with emojis, noting a predilection for replacing nouns over verbs, which underscores the difficulty of expressing complex ideas through emojis. This pattern of simplification, especially in the omission of subjects, reinforces the impact of native grammar on emoji use. Our research contributes valuable insights into the design of more intuitive emoji-based interfaces and suggests implications for digital communication across linguistic boundaries, emphasising the role of native language structure in shaping online interactions.

Authors:
Kazuki Sekine, Waseda University, Japan
Manaka Ikuta, Waseda University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Kazuki Sekine is currently an Associate Professor at Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan.

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