Background of the Study
Social media platforms have become pivotal in shaping language use, and Twitter debates in Nigeria serve as dynamic forums for pragmatic interaction. Pragmatic competence—the ability to use language effectively in context—is increasingly influenced by online communication trends (Afolabi, 2023). Twitter, with its character limitations and informal discourse, encourages users to employ various pragmatic strategies, including irony, sarcasm, and code-switching, to convey complex meanings succinctly. This study examines how social media trends, particularly those evident in Twitter debates, affect the pragmatic competence of Nigerian users. By analyzing tweet corpora, hashtags, and conversational threads, the research investigates how digital trends alter conventional pragmatic devices and whether these changes enhance or hinder effective communication (Uche, 2024). The study also explores the role of interactivity and audience feedback in shaping pragmatic norms. The findings will provide insights into the evolving nature of pragmatics in digital spaces and contribute to theoretical models of language adaptation in modern communication contexts (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although Twitter debates have become a significant mode of communication in Nigeria, there is limited research on their impact on users’ pragmatic competence. Existing studies tend to focus on lexical and stylistic innovations, leaving a gap in understanding the pragmatic alterations induced by digital trends (Olu, 2023). This deficiency impedes efforts to evaluate how well users can navigate context-dependent language functions in fast-paced online interactions. Without systematic analysis, it is challenging to determine whether these new pragmatic patterns lead to improved communication or result in misinterpretation. This study seeks to fill this gap by assessing the pragmatic competence of Nigerian Twitter users and the effects of evolving digital trends on their communicative abilities (Afolabi, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the intersection of digital media and pragmatics, offering insights into how Twitter debates shape Nigerian pragmatic competence. The findings will benefit communication scholars, digital media practitioners, and educators by outlining strategies to improve online discourse (Afolabi, 2023; Uche, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the analysis of social media trends in Nigerian Twitter debates.
Definitions of Terms
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