PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS OF INTONATION IN NIGERIAN ENGLISH: A STUDY OF ATTITUDINAL MEANINGS

Authors

  • Blessing Vou Dakat Department of English, University of Jos, Jos
  • Jacob Ado Department of English, Plateau State University, Bokkos

Keywords:

Intonation Phrase, pragma-intonation, Nigerian English, Attitude

Abstract

This pragma-phonological study explores the intricate relationship between linguistic form and social context in Nigerian English, focusing on the role of intonation phrases in expressing attitudes during conversation. By examining the interplay between pitch levels, tone movements and pragmatic functions. This research investigates how Nigerian English users strategically employ intonation to convey context-dependent meanings and negotiate social relationships. The study’s objectives are to: (1) examine the pragma-phonological features of Nigerian English intonation phrases; (2) analyse the relationship between intonation and attitudes in Nigerian English; and (3) establish how attitudes are reflected in Nigerian English Intonation phrases. Data collection involved 30 Nigerians from diverse linguistic backgrounds across Northern, Southern, and Eastern Nigeria, with utterances analysed using Praat speech analysis software. The findings reveal that Nigerian English users employ intonation phrases to convey nuanced attitudes and pragmatic meanings, highlighting the importance of context in shaping linguistic form and social interaction.

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Dakat, B. V., & Ado, J. (2025). PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS OF INTONATION IN NIGERIAN ENGLISH: A STUDY OF ATTITUDINAL MEANINGS. African Journal of Linguistics, Literary and Cultural Studies, 1(1). Retrieved from https://journals.evonexpublishers.com/index.php/ajllcs/article/view/47

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Blessing Vou Dakat, Jacob Ado

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