An Assessment of Digital Pragmatic Markers in Nigerian Social Media Posts: A Comparative Analysis of WhatsApp and Facebook
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Digital pragmatic markers—linguistic cues that facilitate meaning and manage conversations—play a pivotal role in online communication. In Nigeria, the dynamic interplay of language on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook has given rise to distinctive pragmatic markers that influence tone, politeness, and interpersonal relationships. This study examines how users employ pragmatic markers to negotiate meaning and manage conversational contexts in digital posts. WhatsApp, known for its immediacy and informality, often encourages the use of markers that signify spontaneity and intimacy, while Facebook posts tend to exhibit markers that align with a more structured or formalized communication style (Ajibola, 2023). By comparing these platforms, the research investigates the underlying socio-pragmatic factors that drive the selection and frequency of these markers. Furthermore, the study considers how digital contexts shape language practices in ways that may deviate from traditional face-to-face interactions. The impact of cultural norms and technological affordances on linguistic behavior is central to this inquiry, offering insights into the evolving nature of digital discourse in Nigeria. The continuous interaction between users’ linguistic creativity and platform-specific constraints suggests that digital pragmatic markers are not only reflective of personal identity but also contribute to broader community narratives (Oluwatoyin, 2024). The study therefore seeks to fill gaps in current literature by providing an in-depth comparative analysis of pragmatic marker usage across these two popular social media platforms.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rapid growth of social media in Nigeria, there is limited empirical research on how digital pragmatic markers are deployed across different platforms. The nuances of marker usage in WhatsApp versus Facebook remain underexplored, hindering a full understanding of how these markers influence digital communication. This gap affects efforts to appreciate the broader impact of digital language practices on social interaction. The study aims to address these shortcomings by systematically comparing pragmatic marker usage in Nigerian social media posts. Without such research, it is challenging for scholars and practitioners to develop informed strategies for digital communication that account for platform-specific language behaviors (Babatunde, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To identify and compare digital pragmatic markers in Nigerian WhatsApp and Facebook posts.
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To analyze the socio-pragmatic factors influencing marker usage across platforms.
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To evaluate the impact of these markers on digital discourse and user interaction.
Research Questions
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What are the prevalent digital pragmatic markers in WhatsApp and Facebook posts in Nigeria?
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How do socio-cultural factors influence the use of pragmatic markers on these platforms?
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What is the impact of pragmatic marker usage on digital communication dynamics?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative insight into how digital pragmatic markers shape communication on WhatsApp and Facebook in Nigeria. By identifying linguistic patterns and cultural influences, the findings contribute to the broader understanding of digital discourse, offering practical implications for educators, digital media practitioners, and communication strategists seeking to enhance online engagement (Eze, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing digital pragmatic markers in Nigerian social media posts on WhatsApp and Facebook. It does not extend to other platforms or offline communication contexts.
Definitions of Terms
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Digital Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements used in digital communication to signal conversational nuances.
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WhatsApp Posts: Messages exchanged on the WhatsApp platform characterized by informal, immediate communication.
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Facebook Posts: User-generated content on Facebook that often adheres to a more structured or formal communication style.
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