Background of the study
Pragmatic markers play a critical role in online communication by conveying tone, intent, and social cues. In Nigerian digital discourse, WhatsApp and Twitter serve as platforms where these markers are adapted to fit different communication styles. WhatsApp, primarily used for private messaging, often features informal markers such as emojis, abbreviations, and colloquial expressions that signal intimacy and immediacy (Ibrahim, 2024). Conversely, Twitter’s public nature and character limits necessitate more succinct and strategically placed pragmatic markers to manage conversation and emphasize points. This comparative study examines how Nigerian users employ pragmatic markers on WhatsApp and Twitter, highlighting differences in usage that reflect the platforms’ distinct communicative functions. By analyzing these markers, the study aims to reveal their role in shaping digital interactions, enhancing clarity, and managing interpersonal dynamics in Nigerian online environments (Okeke, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized importance of pragmatic markers in online discourse, there is limited research comparing their use across different digital platforms in Nigeria. Most studies focus on one medium, overlooking the variations between private and public communication contexts. This gap limits our understanding of how pragmatic strategies are adapted to different platforms, necessitating a comparative analysis of WhatsApp and Twitter (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of pragmatic marker usage across major digital platforms, offering insights that can improve digital communication strategies and enhance sociolinguistic theory in Nigerian contexts (Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on text-based interactions on WhatsApp and Twitter within Nigerian digital discourse and does not extend to other platforms or non-textual elements.
Definitions of terms
Chapter One: Introduction
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