Background of the Study
Indirect speech acts—where speakers imply meaning rather than stating it explicitly—are a hallmark of effective communication in Nigerian Pidgin, especially in broadcast contexts. Community radio hosts in Nigeria often use indirect speech acts to engage listeners, create rapport, and navigate sensitive topics without causing offense (Okeke, 2023). This linguistic strategy allows hosts to convey humor, criticism, and social commentary subtly, making it a powerful tool in maintaining audience interest and cultural resonance. The flexibility of Nigerian Pidgin enables the creative expression of indirect meanings, which can enhance the richness of on-air discourse. However, the effectiveness of indirect speech acts relies heavily on shared cultural knowledge and context. As media consumption habits evolve with technological advancements and the influx of diverse audiences, the traditional use of indirect speech acts may face challenges in achieving intended interpretations (Umeh, 2024). This study evaluates how community radio hosts in Nigerian Pidgin employ indirect speech acts, assessing their impact on listener comprehension and overall communication effectiveness.
Statement of the Problem
Although indirect speech acts in Nigerian Pidgin enrich broadcast communication, their effectiveness is increasingly challenged by diverse listener demographics and changing media landscapes. The implicit nature of these acts may lead to misinterpretation or ambiguity when cultural contexts are not uniformly shared (Okeke, 2023). Furthermore, rapid changes in media consumption and the influence of digital platforms have introduced more direct communication styles, potentially undermining traditional practices among community radio hosts (Umeh, 2024). This study addresses the gap by evaluating the current use of indirect speech acts in community radio broadcasts and identifying factors that may impede effective communication.
Objectives of the Study
To document the use of indirect speech acts by community radio hosts.
To assess their impact on listener comprehension.
To propose strategies for enhancing communication effectiveness.
Research Questions
How do community radio hosts use indirect speech acts in Nigerian Pidgin?
What challenges arise from their use?
What measures can improve interpretative clarity?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it evaluates the role of indirect speech acts in community radio broadcasts, offering insights into their effectiveness in Nigerian Pidgin communication. The findings will benefit broadcasters, media educators, and linguists by informing practices that maintain cultural nuance while enhancing clarity in modern media contexts (Okeke, 2023; Umeh, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to evaluating indirect speech acts among community radio hosts in Nigerian Pidgin and does not extend to other media forms.
Definitions of Terms
Indirect Speech Acts: Utterances that imply meaning rather than stating it directly.
Community Radio Hosts: Broadcasters who operate on local radio stations.
Nigerian Pidgin: A creole language widely used in informal media contexts in Nigeria.
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