Pragmatic Function of Twitter Handlers’ Perspectives on Children Discourse in Nigeria
Pragmatic Function of Twitter Handlers’ Perspectives on Children Discourse in Nigeria
Author(s): Ezekiel Opeyemi OlajimbitiSubject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Communication studies, Methodology and research technology, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Accent Publisher
Keywords: Appraisal theory; Twitter; Nigerian children; Socio-cultural experiences;
Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the pragmatic expression of attitudes by Twitter users in children related discourse in Nigeria. Data comprised 80 children-centered Nigerian-tweets, involving individuals and bodies, were screenshots from Twitter between July-August, 2019. These were analyzed through aspects of appraisal theory and pragmatic act theory. Findings showed that Nigerian-tweets on children manifest 85% of negative appraisal and 15% positive appraisal within the socio-cultural context. These affirm that Nigerian-Twitter users circulate more negative children issues than positive as shown in their language use that is characterized by lamenting, rebuking, condemning and commending. The paper concludes that Nigerian-Twitter users in different perspectives have continued to condemn social factors that affect children and advocate good welfare packages to ameliorate their suffering to reposition them for a better future.
Journal: Journal of Media Research - Revista de Studii Media
- Issue Year: 15/2022
- Issue No: 42
- Page Range: 91-104
- Page Count: 14
- Language: English
- Content File-PDF