Background of the Study
Digital communication has revolutionized how language is used, particularly on social media platforms where Nigerian Pidgin serves as a dynamic medium for informal interaction. Among social media users, pragmatic strategies—such as the use of emoticons, abbreviations, and context-dependent expressions—play a vital role in conveying tone, humor, and social attitudes. Nigerian Pidgin’s inherent flexibility enables users to adapt these strategies quickly in digital environments, thereby facilitating effective engagement despite the limitations of text-based communication (Ibrahim, 2023). However, the rapid pace of online exchanges and the brevity required by platforms such as Twitter and WhatsApp can alter or even dilute traditional pragmatic markers. This evolution may lead to misinterpretations, especially when cultural cues are less visible. This study investigates how digital communication impacts pragmatic strategies in Nigerian Pidgin among social media users by analyzing online discourse, identifying emergent trends, and evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving clear and nuanced communication.
Statement of the Problem
Digital platforms impose constraints that challenge the traditional pragmatic strategies of Nigerian Pidgin, leading to potential ambiguities in meaning (Ibrahim, 2023). The informal and rapid nature of online communication often results in the truncation or alteration of pragmatic markers, which can impede the effective conveyance of intended social and emotional cues (Eze, 2024). This shift may reduce the clarity and cultural resonance of messages among diverse online audiences. The literature lacks a comprehensive examination of these changes, leaving a gap in our understanding of how digital communication reshapes pragmatic language use in Nigerian Pidgin.
Objectives of the Study
To analyze pragmatic strategies in Nigerian Pidgin used on social media.
To assess the impact of digital communication on these strategies.
To propose measures to enhance clarity in digital interactions.
Research Questions
What pragmatic strategies are used in Nigerian Pidgin online?
How does digital communication affect the expression of these strategies?
What interventions can improve pragmatic clarity in digital Nigerian Pidgin?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores how digital communication influences pragmatic strategies in Nigerian Pidgin among social media users, providing critical insights into the evolution of language in the digital era. The findings will benefit linguists, digital media experts, and educators by suggesting ways to preserve effective communication practices amid rapid technological changes (Ibrahim, 2023; Eze, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on Nigerian Pidgin usage on social media among digital natives and does not cover offline interactions.
Definitions of Terms
Digital Communication: Exchange of information through electronic media.
Pragmatic Strategies: Techniques for managing social meaning in language use.
Nigerian Pidgin: A widely spoken creole language in Nigeria.
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