Background of the Study
Social media has transformed the landscape of communication, especially in Nigeria where digital platforms have become integral to everyday interaction. Chatrooms, as virtual spaces for real-time dialogue, offer a rich context for examining pragmatic markers—the linguistic cues that help manage conversational flow and convey speaker intent (Eze, 2023). In Nigerian chatrooms, users often employ a variety of pragmatic devices such as abbreviations, emoticons, and interjections to navigate conversation turns, express emotions, and indicate politeness. This study compares the pragmatic markers used in Nigerian chatroom interactions, exploring how these markers differ from traditional face-to-face discourse and how they contribute to the clarity and efficiency of digital communication. By analyzing chat transcripts across different demographic groups, the research seeks to uncover patterns that reveal the influence of cultural context on pragmatic choices. Such insights are critical for understanding the evolution of language in digital environments and for informing the design of communication platforms that support effective dialogue (Eze, 2023; Balogun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite widespread use of digital communication in Nigeria, little research has examined the pragmatic markers specific to chatroom interactions. Existing studies tend to focus on lexical innovations or emoticon usage while neglecting the role of pragmatic devices that structure conversation and convey subtle meanings. This gap limits our understanding of how Nigerian users manage turn-taking, politeness, and context in a virtual environment, which may affect communication clarity. Addressing this issue is crucial for developing digital literacy programs and enhancing online communication strategies in Nigeria (Eze, 2023; Balogun, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To identify key pragmatic markers in Nigerian chatroom interactions.
To compare these markers across different user groups.
To assess their impact on digital communication clarity.
Research Questions
What pragmatic markers are most commonly used in Nigerian chatrooms?
How do these markers vary among different demographic groups?
What is their effect on conversation coherence and clarity?
Significance of the Study
This study deepens our understanding of digital discourse by examining pragmatic markers in Nigerian chatrooms. The findings will aid educators, digital platform designers, and communication specialists in enhancing online interactions and developing effective communication strategies in virtual environments (Eze, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to Nigerian chatroom interactions on social media and does not include other digital communication platforms.
Definitions of Terms
Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic features that help manage conversation.
Chatroom Interactions: Real-time online textual communication.
Digital Communication: Exchange of information through electronic devices.
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