An Assessment of Online Pragmatic Strategies in Nigerian Digital Communication: A Case Study of WhatsApp Group Chats
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Background of the Study
Digital communication in Nigeria is characterized by dynamic and informal interactions, particularly within WhatsApp group chats. These chats serve as vital spaces where pragmatic strategies—such as the use of emoticons, interjections, and colloquial expressions—play a critical role in managing interpersonal relationships and conveying speaker intent. Nigerian users adapt their language to the immediacy and intimacy of WhatsApp, using pragmatic markers to negotiate meaning, signal politeness, and foster group cohesion. This study examines the pragmatic strategies employed in WhatsApp group chats by analyzing conversational patterns and linguistic choices. The research investigates how digital affordances, such as real‑time messaging and group dynamics, influence the deployment of pragmatic markers. It also explores the socio-cultural factors that underpin these communication practices, such as regional linguistic variations and identity construction. By focusing on WhatsApp group chats, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which digital communication shapes pragmatic behavior in informal settings. Integrating theories from digital pragmatics and sociolinguistics, this research contributes to our understanding of how technology and cultural context interact to drive language change in Nigeria (Adeniyi, 2023; Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the significance of pragmatic markers in facilitating effective communication, there is limited empirical research on how these strategies operate within Nigerian WhatsApp group chats. Existing studies often overlook the nuanced use of pragmatic devices in real‑time digital conversations, thereby limiting our understanding of their role in group identity and interaction. This gap restricts the development of comprehensive models that capture the impact of digital affordances on pragmatic behavior. The current study aims to address this deficiency by systematically analyzing WhatsApp group chats, thereby elucidating how online pragmatic strategies are employed and adapted in Nigerian digital communication (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To identify and analyze pragmatic markers in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats.
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To determine the influence of digital affordances on pragmatic behavior.
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To assess the socio‑cultural factors shaping pragmatic strategies.
Research Questions:
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What pragmatic markers are commonly used in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats?
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How do digital features affect the use of these markers?
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What socio‑cultural factors drive pragmatic variation in these chats?
Significance of the Study
This study deepens our understanding of how informal digital communication shapes language use in Nigeria. Its findings offer valuable insights for linguists, educators, and digital media practitioners regarding the role of pragmatic strategies in fostering group cohesion and identity. The research informs models of digital discourse and contributes to the design of effective communication strategies in multilingual settings (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian WhatsApp group chats.
Definitions of Terms:
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Pragmatic Strategies: Techniques used to convey speaker intent and manage conversation.
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WhatsApp Group Chats: Digital forums on WhatsApp for real‑time, multi-user communication.
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Digital Communication: Interactions conducted through electronic platforms.
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