The Effect of Digital Communication on Nigerian Pragmatic Markers: A Comparative Analysis of Facebook and WhatsApp
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Background of the Study
Digital communication has transformed the way Nigerians use language, particularly in the employment of pragmatic markers—linguistic cues that manage conversational flow and express attitudes. Facebook and WhatsApp represent two contrasting communication environments: Facebook supports public, extended discourse with formal pragmatic conventions, while WhatsApp encourages spontaneous, informal interaction with a reliance on colloquial pragmatic markers (Olu, 2023). This comparative analysis investigates how the affordances of each platform influence the usage and function of pragmatic markers in Nigerian digital communication. On Facebook, users tend to integrate markers such as emojis, punctuation, and discourse particles to structure messages in a socially acceptable manner, whereas WhatsApp messages often display rapid, unfiltered language that incorporates real‑time pragmatic adjustments. The study aims to explore these differences by examining user-generated content, identifying recurring patterns, and analyzing how these markers facilitate meaning, emotion, and identity in digital interactions (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although pragmatic markers are critical to effective digital communication, there is limited research comparing their use across different platforms in Nigeria. The divergent communicative styles on Facebook and WhatsApp result in varied pragmatic practices that remain underexplored, leading to an incomplete understanding of how digital environments shape language. This gap hampers the development of comprehensive models of online communication and limits our ability to design strategies that account for contextual differences in language use (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To compare pragmatic marker usage on Facebook and WhatsApp.
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To analyze the influence of platform-specific features on pragmatic variation.
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To assess the implications for digital identity and communication effectiveness.
Research Questions
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What pragmatic markers are commonly used on Facebook versus WhatsApp?
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How do digital affordances influence their usage?
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What is the impact on Nigerian online communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of digital pragmatic markers in Nigerian communication, offering insights into how different platforms shape language use and social interaction. The findings will contribute to sociolinguistic theory and inform digital communication strategies for educators and media practitioners (Olu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to Nigerian Facebook and WhatsApp content.
Definitions of Terms
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Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic devices that manage conversation.
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Facebook: A platform for public, extended discourse.
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WhatsApp: A messaging app for private, immediate communication.
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