Background of the study
Pragmatic markers—linguistic tools that signal tone, emotion, or attitude—are pivotal in managing digital conversations. In Nigerian social media, platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter exhibit distinct pragmatic behaviors due to differences in communication style and context (Ibrahim, 2023). WhatsApp messages often feature informal markers such as emojis, interjections, and fillers that facilitate personal communication, while Twitter relies on concise markers like abbreviations and hashtags to convey nuanced meanings within character constraints (Okafor, 2024). This study evaluates the use of pragmatic markers across these platforms by analyzing how Nigerian users employ them to negotiate meaning, manage politeness, and express sentiment. The research explores the interplay between digital affordances and pragmatic strategies, shedding light on the evolution of online conversational norms and the socio-cultural factors influencing them (Adebayo, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized importance of pragmatic markers in online communication, there is limited comparative research on their use across different digital platforms in Nigeria. Existing studies often generalize pragmatic practices without considering platform-specific differences, thereby neglecting how context shapes marker usage (Chukwu, 2023). This gap restricts a comprehensive understanding of the role of pragmatic markers in facilitating effective digital interaction, ultimately impeding the development of nuanced models of digital pragmatics (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative evaluation of online pragmatic markers in Nigerian digital communication. The findings will provide valuable insights for linguists and communication practitioners, contributing to improved strategies for effective online interaction and the development of digital pragmatics theory (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses solely on pragmatic marker usage in WhatsApp messages and Twitter tweets among Nigerian users, excluding other platforms or offline communication.
Definitions of terms
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