Here I introduce Morphs: a new way (as far as I can tell) to use emojis. And I encourage everyone to try them out!
What is a Morph?
A Morph is one or more emojis used to conjure imagery of an observed appearance and/or behaviour of something.
Take the following sentence:
We were all standing up at the concert, but it was easy for me to see over the crowd.
So the speaker and many people were standing up, yet the speaker was still able to see? Without any further information, they must be either in an elevated position or significantly taller than the average person there...
Now, let's add a Morph!
We were all standing up at the concert, but it was easy for me to see over the crowd 🦕
Whoa. Okay 😅 The imagery of a sauropod doesn't clarify where the speaker is, but it's cool IMO to imagine how high up the speaker's head must be!
Imagery of the observed
The intention behind Morphs is to conjure imagery that is observed. We already use emojis for symbolic meaning, so let's try something new! Instead of using...
- 🕊️ to represent peace
- 🦁 to represent bravery
- 🐞 to represent luck
Why not try use them like so?
Follow me, everyone! This is the way back home 🕊️
From Wikipedia: Homing pigeons, a domesticated form of rock doves, have been bred for their homing ability.
You know how I feel about family 🦁
From Wikipedia: Lions live in prides.
Let's take care of those bugs 🐞
From Wikipedia: Ladybugs prey on agricultural pests such as aphids and scale insects.
A morph may use more than one emoji as well!
I guess you could say the two of us are similar 🦕🦒
This may take some research to find out observed appearance and behaviour. To learn more about animals, I recommend Wikipedia, True Facts by Ze Frank, Natural Habitat Shorts, and Animal Fact Files.
Any emoji is fair game
I've just been using animals so far because that's what I'm currently interested in.
Any emoji may be used for Morphs. Any emoji is fair game.
Extinct animals like the dinosaurs and the dodo are fair game.
Fictional things like unicorns, dragons, and zombies are fair game. Do note for some of these (e.g., dragons) their observed appearance and/or behaviour may culturally differ.
Food, places, you name it. Any emoji is fair game.
Qualities of Morphs
Morphs encourage curiosity. Research may be needed to find out observed appearance and behaviour.
Morphs tend to be more universal. Some things are not found everywhere, but their observed appearance and behaviour remains accessible! People can learn about kangaroos and their behaviours without needing to live in Australia or understand the cultural contexts in which kangaroos have acquired symbolic meaning.
Morphs are expressive. Only emojis, rather than words, are needed to conjure imagery. I'm excited to see Morphs used in literary art!
Go have fun!
Morphs are a new way (as far as I can tell) to use emojis. Emojis are free. Why not give it a try?