The Impact of Social Media on Pragmatic Development in Nigerian English: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Communities
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Background of the study
Social media is transforming linguistic practices across Nigeria, influencing not only vocabulary and syntax but also pragmatic norms. This study examines the impact of social media on the pragmatic development of Nigerian English, comparing rural and urban communities. Urban areas tend to adopt more innovative and informal pragmatic strategies due to high exposure to digital communication, whereas rural communities often retain more traditional, formal pragmatic conventions (Afolabi, 2023). By analyzing social media posts, comments, and interactions from both settings, the research explores how factors such as code-switching, politeness markers, and discourse markers vary between rural and urban speakers. The study employs both quantitative corpus analysis and qualitative interviews to uncover how digital exposure shapes pragmatic competence and language adaptation. This comparative approach will highlight the differential impact of social media on language use, providing valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to bridge the rural–urban digital divide and foster more inclusive communication practices (Ibrahim, 2024; Nwachukwu, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite growing digital connectivity, there is limited research on how social media influences the pragmatic development of Nigerian English in rural versus urban areas. The lack of comparative studies on pragmatic norms across these settings hampers our understanding of evolving language practices and may lead to a digital divide in language proficiency and cultural expression (Afolabi, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
• To compare pragmatic strategies in rural and urban Nigerian English.
• To analyze the influence of social media on pragmatic development.
• To recommend strategies for inclusive digital communication.
Research questions:
• How do pragmatic markers differ between rural and urban speakers?
• What role does social media play in shaping these norms?
• How can communication practices be harmonized across communities?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of the impact of social media on pragmatic development in Nigerian English, offering insights for bridging the rural–urban divide and improving digital literacy (Nwachukwu, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is confined to analyzing pragmatic features in Nigerian English on social media from rural and urban communities.
Definitions of terms:
1. Pragmatic Development: The evolution of language use in context.
2. Digital Communication: Language use on electronic platforms.
3. Rural vs. Urban Communities: Geographical areas with differing social and cultural characteristics.
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