Background of the study
Pragmatic markers—words and phrases that facilitate smooth communication—are increasingly prevalent in Nigerian social media discourse. Facebook and Twitter, as major digital platforms, provide fertile ground for the evolution and usage of these markers. On Facebook, extended posts and comments allow for nuanced pragmatic expressions, whereas Twitter’s brevity encourages succinct markers that convey tone and intent (Adebayo, 2023). This study undertakes a comparative analysis of pragmatic markers on both platforms to understand how they are employed to manage conversation, indicate speaker attitude, and facilitate social interaction. Recent research suggests that digital communication not only replicates but also transforms conventional pragmatic markers, resulting in novel linguistic forms that reflect cultural shifts (Chukwu, 2024). The study examines how these markers are adapted and standardized within Nigerian digital contexts, highlighting their role in digital identity construction and interpersonal communication. By analyzing a corpus of Facebook and Twitter content, this research aims to delineate the similarities and differences in pragmatic marker usage, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of online discourse practices (Okeke, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized importance of pragmatic markers in digital communication, there is a scarcity of comparative research focusing on their usage across different social media platforms in Nigeria. Existing literature often examines pragmatic markers in isolation or within a single platform, failing to capture how context influences their application (Ibrahim, 2023). This gap hampers our understanding of the broader communicative strategies employed by Nigerian social media users. Additionally, the rapid evolution of digital language complicates the analysis of these markers, leaving educators and linguists without robust frameworks to incorporate these trends into linguistic theory (Emeka, 2024). This study aims to address these issues by comparing the use of pragmatic markers on Facebook and Twitter, thereby providing insights into their role in shaping digital discourse.
Objectives of the study
1. To identify and analyze pragmatic markers in Nigerian Facebook and Twitter discourse.
2. To compare the usage of these markers across both platforms.
3. To develop recommendations for integrating digital pragmatic trends into language education.
Research questions
1. What pragmatic markers are most commonly used on Facebook and Twitter in Nigeria?
2. How does the usage of pragmatic markers differ between these platforms?
3. What implications do these differences have for digital communication practices?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative analysis of pragmatic markers in Nigerian social media, shedding light on how digital communication shapes language use. The findings will contribute to theoretical advancements in pragmatics and provide practical insights for educators adapting to evolving communication practices. By addressing differences in marker usage between Facebook and Twitter, the research informs language policy and curriculum development (Nwosu, 2023; Adeola, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing online pragmatic markers on Nigerian Facebook and Twitter posts, excluding other platforms and offline interactions.
Definitions of terms
• Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements that help manage the flow and tone of conversation.
• Digital Discourse: Communication occurring on digital platforms.
• Comparative Analysis: A research method that highlights differences and similarities between subjects.
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