Using Emojis in Teaching English Vocabulary (Vomoji)

Abstract

One of the main reasons English language learners have difficulties in using the language is caused by lack of vocabulary. Overemphasis on grammar at the expense of the learner's vocabulary knowledge has also affected learners’ English mastery. Therefore, learners should be exposed to meaningful vocabulary before learning grammar. Using emojis to learn vocabulary offers an interesting and innovative approach, as there are hundreds of emojis being introduced every day for communication. These emojis are used on almost all social media platforms. This study aims to develop an emoji-based vocabulary workbook that suits learners of different CEFR bands. A short survey on learners’ perception of using emoji-based vocabulary workbooks was given to 160 students at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). The results show that majority of the respondents agreed that using emoji could help them learn English vocabulary better, and they can also understand other cultures. As the majority of respondents have given positive feedback, the researchers have high hopes that the development of these activity books will help learners’ acquire the English language.