Background of the Study
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become critical sites for everyday communication, influencing users’ pragmatic competence—the ability to use language effectively in context. Nigerian Facebook groups serve as vibrant communities where informal language, slang, and context-dependent cues are routinely employed to negotiate meaning and social relationships (Olu, 2023). This study investigates how interactions in these groups affect pragmatic competence, examining the use of politeness strategies, indirect requests, and discourse markers. The dynamic environment of Facebook encourages rapid language evolution, blending formal linguistic conventions with colloquial expressions. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of group discussions, the research aims to document the pragmatic strategies employed by Nigerian users and assess how these practices influence overall communicative competence. Furthermore, the study explores the role of online feedback and peer interaction in shaping language use, providing insights into the adaptive nature of pragmatics in digital environments (Chima, 2024). The findings are expected to offer valuable guidance for educators and communication experts seeking to integrate digital literacy into language teaching (Nwankwo, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although Facebook groups are widely used in Nigeria, there is limited research on how social media interactions impact pragmatic competence. Variations in the use of pragmatic strategies may lead to communication breakdowns and misinterpretations in online discussions (Olu, 2023). The lack of systematic analysis on the role of digital interaction in shaping pragmatic skills poses challenges for educators and linguists aiming to improve communication proficiency in the digital age (Chima, 2024). This study addresses the gap by examining the pragmatic practices in Nigerian Facebook groups, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of online language use and its broader social implications (Nwankwo, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
To document pragmatic strategies used in Nigerian Facebook groups.
To assess the impact of online interactions on pragmatic competence.
To offer recommendations for enhancing digital communication skills.
Research Questions
What pragmatic devices are prevalent in Facebook group discussions?
How do these interactions influence overall pragmatic competence?
What strategies can improve pragmatic skills in digital environments?
Significance of the Study
This study sheds light on the impact of social media on Nigerian pragmatic competence, offering insights into how Facebook interactions shape effective communication. The findings will benefit educators, linguists, and digital communication experts by providing recommendations for improving online discourse practices and integrating digital literacy into language instruction (Olu, 2023; Chima, 2024; Nwankwo, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the examination of pragmatic competence within Nigerian Facebook groups and does not extend to other social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms
Pragmatic Competence: The ability to use language effectively in context.
Facebook Groups: Online communities on Facebook where users share and discuss topics.
Discourse Markers: Words or phrases used to organize speech and guide interpretation.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the relationship between parental role and early childhood education and...
Background of the study
Adult education has long been recognized as a transformative tool that empowers individuals with kn...
FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES DETECTION AND PREVENTION IN GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING: This study aims to (i) identify the primary methods used to detect and p...
Background of the Study:
Credit portfolio management is vital for minimizing non-performing loans and optimizing risk-return trade-offs i...
Background of the Study
Talent acquisition refers to the process of attracting, identifying, and hiring skilled individuals to meet the o...
ABSTRACT
Journalists willing to advocate for children and young people face the challenge of counterbalancing negative i...
Background of the study
Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining public health and environmental sustainabilit...
Background of the study
Nigerian dialects are renowned for their rich phonological diversity, particularly in the use of tone and stress...
Background of the Study
Illegal mining has emerged as a significant security concern in many regions, including Ilesa West...
Background of the Study
In oil-dependent communities in Nigeria, the management of royalties and tax revenues has often bee...