A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF A COMIC NIGERIAN WHATSAPP ADAPTATION OF THE EASTER STORY

Abstract

This study offers a sociolinguistic analysis of a Nigerian adaptation of the Easter narrative, specifically focusing on the Good Friday events as presented within a screen-recorded, fictional WhatsApp group chat created for comic purposes. Originating from Enbelo, a Facebook-based Nigerian media company, this digital retold story x-rays the biblical story within a contemporary Nigerian sociocultural landscape and strategically leverages the affordance of the WhatsApp instant messaging platform. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the transcribed chat data, the study identifies prominent linguistic features such as code-mixing, Nigerianisms, play on words, and the use of Nigerian Pidgin, which collectively contribute to the contextualization and Nigerianization of the narrative. Cultural reinterpretations are evident in the adaptation of biblical characters and events to align with Nigerian social norms, values, and humor. The Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) serves as the theoretical framework for the analysis, elucidating how the adaptation accommodates the communication style and cultural background of the Nigerian audience. By employing familiar linguistic and cultural elements, the retold story fosters a sense of relatability and resonance, making the traditional Christian story more accessible and meaningful to a contemporary Nigerian audience. The findings of this study demonstrate interplay between language, culture, and technology in the adaptation and dissemination of religious narratives. Particularly, this Nigerian WhatsApp adaptation of the Easter story exemplifies how digital platforms facilitate the reinterpretation and contextualisation of religious traditions, reflecting the evolving nature of religious communication in the digital age.