SMS Text-Messaging and the Nigerian Christian Context: Constructing Values and Sentiments
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The Global System of Mobile Communications (GSM) in Nigeria brought with it a variety of English
that is situationally distinct and context sensitive. Thus SMS text-messages are viewed as discourses
that presuppose speech events among interlocutors that share a common social behaviour and cultural
values. This study shows the extent to which test-messaging constructs Christian values, belief
systems and sentiments in Nigeria. Fifty-three (53) text samples collected in Lagos and Ota areas of
Southwest Nigeria between 2005 and 2007 are analysed within the framework of computer-mediated
discourse analysis (Herring 2001). Result shows that with its peculiar orthographic convention and
style, text-messaging has become popular among Christian adherents not just because it is short,
cheap and fast but that it is individualistic and fits well into a context where respect for individuals is
emphasized. Analysis also shows that SMS text-messaging is used to disseminate messages associated
with faith-based pronouncements, prayer and well-wishing, admonition and assurance, appreciation
and praise, seasons greetings and general information/announcements. These functions tend to
promote love and cooperation among church members.
Key words: SMS-text messages, Christian, Discourse
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The
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P Philology. Linguistics