An Evaluation of Digital Pragmatic Markers in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Study of WhatsApp and Twitter
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Background of the study
Digital pragmatic markers are essential elements that facilitate effective communication in online environments. In Nigerian social media, platforms such as WhatsApp and Twitter offer distinct contexts in which users employ pragmatic markers to manage conversation, signal attitude, and maintain social cohesion. WhatsApp, with its private and conversational setting, often features markers that reflect intimacy, humor, and immediacy. In contrast, Twitter’s public and succinct format requires users to convey nuanced meaning using brief expressions, abbreviations, and hashtags (Ibrahim, 2023). These markers are instrumental in negotiating tone, mitigating potential misunderstandings, and reinforcing group identity. The study compares the use of pragmatic markers across these two platforms to identify how contextual factors shape their deployment in Nigerian digital discourse. It further explores the interplay between text, symbols, and platform constraints in facilitating smooth and effective communication (Obi, 2024). This comparative evaluation seeks to enhance our understanding of digital pragmatics and contribute to the development of frameworks for analyzing online communication.
Statement of the problem
Although pragmatic markers are recognized as crucial in digital communication, there is limited comparative research on their use across different platforms in Nigeria. Most existing studies focus on either private messaging or public discourse without addressing how platform-specific features affect pragmatic strategies. This gap restricts our ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of how digital environments shape the use of pragmatic markers, which is essential for both theoretical and applied linguistic research (Chinwe, 2023). Without systematic comparative analysis, educators and communicators may struggle to adapt to evolving pragmatic trends in online discourse, hindering effective communication strategies (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
1. To identify key pragmatic markers used on WhatsApp and Twitter by Nigerian users.
2. To compare the influence of platform constraints on the use of these markers.
3. To propose models for digital pragmatic communication.
Research questions
1. What pragmatic markers are most common on WhatsApp and Twitter?
2. How do platform-specific features influence their usage?
3. What implications do these markers have for effective digital communication?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it evaluates digital pragmatic markers across WhatsApp and Twitter, enhancing our understanding of online communication strategies in Nigeria. The findings will inform linguistic theory and practical communication strategies, aiding educators and policymakers in adapting to digital discourse trends (Ibrahim, 2023; Obi, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing pragmatic markers in Nigerian WhatsApp and Twitter communications, excluding other platforms and offline interactions.
Definitions of terms
• Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements that help manage conversational flow and convey speaker attitude.
• Digital Communication: Information exchange on online platforms.
• Comparative Study: An analysis that highlights differences and similarities between subjects.
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