Emoticons as Cross-Cultural Communicators in Higher Education

This study addresses the underexplored role of emoticons in cross-cultural communication within higher education, focusing on undergraduates at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia and Nanchang University in China. Emoticons, increasingly popular in digital communication, present a unique lens through which to examine cultural influences on communication patterns. The research aims to analyze emoticon usage similarities and differences across these two cultural contexts, investigate their impact on enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and explore their potential as educational tools for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Findings reveal significant cultural nuances in emoticon usage, demonstrating their ability to bridge communication gaps, enrich educational experiences, and foster cultural pride, particularly during traditional festivals. This study contributes to digital literacy and cross-cultural communication discussions, emphasizing the integration of culturally relevant emoticons in educational settings to support inclusive education and cultural heritage preservation efforts in a globalized world.