New media semiotics and the rise of universal symbolic language: Digital natives’ perspective amidst Covid-19

Abstract

Speech is cultural identity. This peculiarity is challenged by symbolic media languages such as emoticons, emojis, memes, and diacritical computer symbols. The distinction between language and universal phonological dialect among digital natives is related by their specific use of computer symbols in media communication. Consequently, a new modality of linguistic processes is emerging, which demolishes the barriers of distinct languages. The research used the Semiotic Theory and tested 267 adolescents aged 15 to 20 years. Data were collected via a quasi-structured questionnaire, purpose and snowball sampling, 95% confidence level. The results indicated semiotics as a significant communication function for digital natives. It draws themes and concluded that, despite its preponderance in communication, semiotics does not challenge to formal writing. Important majority n=133, SD=12.03 indicated that semiotics may become global language. This study shows that humanity is increasingly rallying to the use of a common language by symbols, as before the emergence of distinctive expression. This area is of importance to researchers and policy makers in a single human language evolution.