Background of the Study
Religious communication in Nigeria is deeply embedded in cultural and spiritual traditions, with sermons serving as a primary medium for conveying doctrinal messages and moral guidance. Both mosque and church sermons employ pragmatic markers—linguistic cues such as modal verbs, discourse particles, and affective expressions—to structure arguments and elicit emotional responses from congregants (Umeh, 2023). These markers play a critical role in establishing authority, signaling respect, and reinforcing communal bonds. Despite the differences in religious traditions, there is an overlap in how pragmatic strategies are utilized to enhance the clarity and impact of sermons. This study compares the use of pragmatic markers in mosque and church sermons in Nigeria, analyzing how religious leaders adapt language to suit their respective audiences while addressing universal themes such as faith, morality, and social justice. The research highlights the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, as religious communication evolves to meet contemporary challenges while preserving its core spiritual messages (Adamu, 2024; Chinwe, 2025). Understanding these linguistic practices is essential for appreciating how religious discourse contributes to community cohesion and the transmission of cultural values.
Statement of the Problem
Although pragmatic markers are pivotal in religious communication, there is limited comparative research on their usage in Nigerian mosque and church sermons. Variations in the deployment of these markers can influence the clarity and persuasiveness of religious messages, potentially affecting congregational engagement (Umeh, 2023). The lack of systematic analysis in this area restricts our understanding of how linguistic strategies differ across religious contexts and how they impact the overall effectiveness of sermons (Adamu, 2024). This gap poses challenges for religious educators and leaders aiming to enhance communication and foster deeper spiritual connections among followers (Chinwe, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
To identify pragmatic markers used in mosque and church sermons.
To compare their usage across different religious contexts.
To evaluate the impact of these markers on message clarity and audience engagement.
Research Questions
What pragmatic markers are common in Nigerian religious sermons?
How do their uses differ between mosque and church settings?
What effects do they have on congregational understanding?
Significance of the Study
This study offers valuable insights into the role of pragmatic markers in Nigerian religious communication. By comparing mosque and church sermons, it provides a framework for enhancing message delivery in diverse spiritual contexts. The findings will be beneficial for religious leaders and communication scholars in improving sermon effectiveness and fostering community cohesion (Umeh, 2023; Adamu, 2024; Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the analysis of pragmatic markers in Nigerian religious sermons and does not extend to other forms of religious discourse.
Definitions of Terms
Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements that signal speaker intention and structure discourse.
Religious Communication: The exchange of messages within religious contexts.
Sermons: Formal addresses delivered by religious leaders.
Chapter One: Introduction
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