From the BBC:
Ranging from hieroglyphics in the ancient World through symbols in art to the increasing use of the emoji, Dr Ramirez examines the power of the symbol and its importance. … With her to discuss symbols and signs, … Professor Mimi Ito, a cultural anthropologist who studies new media use, particularly among young people in Japan and the US, from the University of California, Irvine ….
 

For the full story, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0396ymd.