Communicative and Language Patterns in Popular Slangs in Nigeria
Keywords:
Nigeria, slang, relevance theory, optimal relevance, humourAbstract
Abstract
Communicative and language patterns in popular slangs (linguistic constructions used in an unusual
way) in Nigeria show how unusual Nigerians can be with the slangs. This study investigates pragmatic
features of slangs with a view to determining the relevance of the slangs and their communication
purposes. Nineteen (19) popular slangs used in Nigeria in 2023 and 2022, as compiled by Tribune and
Channels Television, were studied. The data and year were purposively sampled based on recency,
while the media were based on the representation of print and non-print. Relevance theory is the
framework that guided the analysis and the data were subjected to pragmatic analysis. The study found
that social context, and call for happiness through humour and having good time were considered
optimally relevant to Nigerians in 2022. In 2023, political context and issues—such as praise, calls for
welfare, and mocking counsel to file a court complaint—were deemed optimally relevant. The study
concluded that prioritization of happiness in 2022 and 2023 election were responsible for the different
patterns of the slangs used. These patterns prove further the unusual nature of slangs.