An Examination of Pragmatic Shifts in Nigerian Digital News: A Case Study of Online Political Commentary
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Background of the Study
Digital news platforms have revolutionized political communication by introducing new forms of language use and pragmatic expression. In Nigeria, online political commentary has become a significant arena for public discourse, where traditional media conventions are reshaped by the immediacy and interactivity of digital platforms (Olu, 2023). Pragmatics—the study of language in context—reveals that subtle shifts in language use, such as the employment of irony, humor, and informal register, play a vital role in framing political narratives. Online news outlets now blend formal reporting with opinionated commentary, often using contextual cues and rhetorical devices to engage their audience (Adesina, 2024). These pragmatic shifts are not only reflective of changing audience expectations but also indicative of broader socio-political dynamics that influence media practices. The study investigates how online political commentary employs these shifts to manage meaning, construct political identities, and influence public opinion (Afolabi, 2025). By examining a corpus of digital news content, the research aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which pragmatic strategies evolve in the digital age and their subsequent impact on the credibility and interpretation of political discourse.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rapid evolution of digital news, there remains a significant gap in understanding the pragmatic shifts that characterize online political commentary in Nigeria. Traditional analyses of political communication often overlook how digital platforms encourage the blending of formal news with colloquial, opinionated content (Olu, 2023). The challenge lies in identifying the subtle pragmatic strategies—such as irony, humor, and context-driven inferences—that influence audience perception and political accountability (Adesina, 2024). This lack of systematic research limits our understanding of how digital news shapes public discourse and affects the trustworthiness of political information. This study addresses these issues by examining the pragmatic features of online political commentary and their influence on digital news narratives (Afolabi, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
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To examine the pragmatic strategies employed in Nigerian digital news.
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To analyze the use of contextual cues and rhetorical devices in online political commentary.
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To evaluate the impact of pragmatic shifts on audience interpretation and credibility of digital news.
Research Questions
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What are the predominant pragmatic features in Nigerian online political commentary?
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How do digital news platforms employ contextual cues to shape political narratives?
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What is the impact of these pragmatic shifts on the credibility and reception of digital news?
Significance of the Study
This study contributes to a deeper understanding of evolving political communication by analyzing pragmatic shifts in online political commentary. The research illuminates how digital media reshape language use and influence public opinion, offering practical insights for media practitioners and scholars. Its findings will inform strategies to enhance the transparency and accountability of digital news in Nigeria (Olu, 2023; Adesina, 2024; Afolabi, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is restricted to the examination of pragmatic shifts in Nigerian digital news, specifically focusing on online political commentary. It does not extend to other genres of digital media or offline political communication.
Definitions of Terms
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Pragmatics: The study of language use in context, focusing on meaning and intention.
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Digital News: News content disseminated via digital platforms, including websites and social media.
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Political Commentary: Opinionated analysis and critique of political events and issues.
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