Background of the Study
Technological advancements have significantly altered communication practices in Nigerian businesses, with email and instant messaging emerging as primary tools for professional interaction. This study examines the pragmatic implications of these two modes of digital communication, focusing on how differences in formality, immediacy, and context shape message construction and interpretation (Umeh, 2023). Email typically follows formal structures with established conventions, while instant messaging is characterized by immediacy, informality, and the frequent use of abbreviations and emoticons. The research investigates how these differences affect pragmatic strategies such as politeness, directness, and clarity in workplace communications. By analyzing message corpora from various Nigerian companies and conducting interviews with business professionals, the study aims to identify how pragmatic markers and contextual cues vary between email and instant messaging. The study also explores the potential impact on organizational efficiency and employee relationships, considering how technology-driven changes in language use can influence workplace dynamics (Akinola, 2024). The findings will contribute to developing guidelines for effective digital communication in Nigerian business environments (Chiamaka, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing reliance on digital communication in Nigerian businesses, there is limited research on how the pragmatic aspects differ between email and instant messaging. The informal nature of instant messaging may lead to misinterpretations, while the formality of email might impede quick decision-making (Umeh, 2023). This divergence creates challenges in maintaining effective communication and workplace efficiency. Furthermore, the absence of standardized guidelines for pragmatic usage in digital communication leads to inconsistent messaging and potential conflicts (Akinola, 2024). This study seeks to address these issues by comparing the pragmatic features of email and instant messaging, thereby providing insights for improving digital workplace communication (Chiamaka, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
To compare pragmatic strategies in email and instant messaging.
To evaluate the impact of these strategies on workplace communication.
To propose recommendations for optimizing digital communication practices.
Research Questions:
What are the key pragmatic differences between email and instant messaging?
How do these differences affect message clarity and efficiency?
What best practices can improve pragmatic communication in Nigerian businesses?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it examines the effect of technology on workplace communication through a comparative analysis of email and instant messaging. The research provides insights into how digital platforms shape pragmatic strategies, ultimately informing guidelines for more effective communication in business settings. The findings will benefit business leaders, communication trainers, and policymakers by enhancing digital communication practices (Chiamaka, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to digital communication in Nigerian businesses and focuses on email and instant messaging only. It does not cover other communication platforms.
Definitions of Terms:
Pragmatics: The study of language use in context.
Email: Formal digital messaging with established conventions.
Instant Messaging: Real-time digital communication often characterized by informality.
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