Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Liz Kim]

It is not only another new language, but also very important tool to show our emotion directly, especially among younger generation. I�d like to talk about the most popular emoticons in Korea. There are four ones we usually use when we use the internet chatting and cellophane text messages.

First, when we want to express a positive emotion such as happiness or delight, we use the emoticon �^^� . This shows a smiling face. You just focus on the symbol �^^� and think about the smiling eyes.

Second, when we want to express a little embarrassment and to show that we are sorry, we usually add the symbol (; → next to the key �L� in your keyboards) with a smiling �^^�. The symbol �;� means perspiration. When people are embarrassed, they perspire. So we use it on the smile.

Third, when we want to say that �I have no idea� or �I�m sorry� or �I�m not feeling well,� we use the �-_-;;� emoticon. The upper part two of the �- -� stand for our eyes and lower part �_� means our nose and the left part �;;� means perspiration. It can be easy to understand that emotion.

Forth, when we want to show that I�m crying now, we use the �T.T�. Let�s think about how to separate these things. The upper part �- - � sign represents the eyes. When we were not happy or sad, our eyes look like flat and small, so the crosses on the T�s show your eyes. And the symbol of �I.I� means tears.

There are so many emoticon expect them. But these are the most popular among young people in Korea. I think it�s very interesting that we can express ourselves without using language. I want to let you know them, because I think emoticons are part of our culture.

[gear2000]

LOL