Background of the study
Pragmatic markers are essential tools for conveying speaker attitudes, emotions, and interpersonal nuances in communication. In Nigerian digital discourse, WhatsApp and Twitter provide distinct contexts for the use of these markers. WhatsApp, with its private and conversational nature, often features informal pragmatic devices such as emojis, interjections, and abbreviations, while Twitter’s public and concise format encourages the use of hashtag cues and succinct expressions to signal tone and emphasis (Ibrahim, 2023). This study evaluates the deployment of pragmatic markers across these platforms, comparing how context, audience, and digital constraints influence their use. It explores how these markers contribute to effective communication by managing politeness, indicating sarcasm, and expressing sentiment, thereby facilitating smoother interactions in digital environments (Okafor, 2024). The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital pragmatics in Nigeria, bridging the gap between private and public communication styles.
Statement of the problem
Despite the critical role of pragmatic markers in online communication, there is limited comparative research on their usage between platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter in Nigeria. Many studies overlook the influence of platform-specific contexts on pragmatic behavior, leading to a generalized understanding of digital pragmatics. This research gap hinders our ability to develop nuanced models of communication that account for differences in private and public digital interactions (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative evaluation of online pragmatic strategies, enhancing our understanding of how contextual differences influence language use in Nigerian digital communication. The findings will inform effective communication practices and digital media literacy initiatives.
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Nigerian WhatsApp and Twitter interactions; it excludes other platforms and offline communication.
Definitions of terms
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
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