Sharjah 24: The researcher, Nada Jamal Alzara from the College of Communcation at the University of Sharjah (UOS), successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis titled “A Mixed-method examination of the visual communicative aspects of emojis in the UAE”, under the supervision of Prof. Noha Mellor from the Department of Mass Communication at the College.

The thesis explored the usage patterns and implications of emojis on personal and cultural identity in digital communication within the UAE. The study uncovers the transformative role of emojis in facilitating cross-cultural communication by transcending linguistic barriers. It also explores gender and generational differences in emoji usage. The study contributes to our understanding of the role of emojis in fostering digital communication in the UAE and provides insights into the complex interplay between technology, language, and culture.

The examining committee from the US’s College of Communication included Prof. Jason Gainous, and Dr. Massimo Ragnedda, in addition to Dr. Maha Bashri from the United Arab Emirates University, who acted as the external examiner. 

Prof. Noha Mellor pointed out that this type of study underlines the importance of better understanding how the media is changing popular culture, attitudes, and ways of communication in the Middle East.
 
The committee decided to accept the doctoral thesis of the student and recommended granting her a Ph.D. of Philosophy in Communication.