Systems and methods are provided for enabling communications between users of an instant messaging application and a virtual world environment. In accordance with one implementation, a method is provided that includes operations performed by one or more processors, including enabling a first user to navigate the virtual world environment by controlling an avatar representing the first user. The method also includes capturing a first paralinguistic indicator made by the first user, the first paralinguistic indicator configured for communications in the virtual world environment. In addition, the method includes translating the first paralinguistic indicator into a message configured for text-based communications in the instant messaging application, the message comprising at least one of a text description of the first paralinguistic indicator and a second paralinguistic indicator configured for communications in the instant messaging application. The method further includes providing the message to a second user.
