A Comparative Analysis of Pragmatic Markers in Nigerian Social Media Communication: A Focus on Chatroom Interactions
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Background of the Study
Chatroom interactions on Nigerian social media platforms offer a unique context for exploring pragmatic markers—the linguistic cues that signal speaker intent, politeness, and relational dynamics. This study conducts a comparative analysis of these markers, focusing on how users negotiate meaning in real-time digital conversations. Chatroom communication is characterized by informal language, rapid turn-taking, and a heavy reliance on context-specific cues such as emoticons, abbreviations, and discourse particles (Olu, 2023). These pragmatic devices help bridge the gap between textual brevity and the rich nuances of face-to-face interaction. By comparing interactions across various chatroom platforms, this research aims to reveal patterns in the use of pragmatic markers and examine their role in facilitating clarity and social cohesion. The study also explores differences between age groups and social strata, providing insights into how digital communication evolves in Nigeria (Chima, 2024). This analysis contributes to the broader understanding of how informal online communication practices impact pragmatic competence and social interaction.
Statement of the Problem
There is limited empirical research on the use of pragmatic markers in Nigerian chatroom interactions, which hampers our understanding of how digital communication sustains social relationships (Olu, 2023). Inconsistencies in the use of markers such as emoticons, discourse particles, and informal abbreviations may lead to misunderstandings or reduce communicative effectiveness. The lack of comparative analysis across different chatroom platforms further complicates the development of a coherent framework for understanding these pragmatic practices (Chima, 2024). Without systematic study, the nuances of digital interaction remain underexplored, making it challenging to optimize online communication strategies in diverse social contexts (Adebayo, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
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To identify pragmatic markers in Nigerian chatroom interactions.
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To compare their usage across different online platforms.
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To evaluate the impact on communication clarity and social cohesion.
Research Questions
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What pragmatic markers are most prevalent in Nigerian chatrooms?
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How do their uses vary across different platforms and demographics?
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How do these markers influence overall communication effectiveness?
Significance of the Study
This study provides valuable insights into the role of pragmatic markers in Nigerian digital communication, offering a foundation for enhancing online interaction strategies. The findings will benefit linguists, digital communication experts, and social media platform designers by clarifying how informal language features promote effective discourse (Olu, 2023; Chima, 2024; Adebayo, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on pragmatic markers in Nigerian chatroom interactions and does not include other forms of social media communication.
Definitions of Terms
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Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements that indicate speaker intention and context.
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Chatroom Interactions: Text-based discussions in online chat environments.
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Social Media Communication: Digital discourse occurring on social networking platforms.
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