EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Effective Communication in a Digital Nigerian Environment x-rays how Communication Technology and on–line communication have affected the communicative ability of the average Nigerian student. The paper sees the emergence of digital communication, which is a product of the ICT as a welcome development considering the many benefits derivable from the new technology. It however frowns at the negative effect which the new technology has had on the Nigerian environment and attributes it to the freedom of expression and the linguistic diversity which emerge from the informal use of language employed in digital communication. The paper concludes with a note of warning on the dangers of inter-textuality and recommends that digital communication as exemplified in text messages and other on-line communication be embraced with care because most often there is a transfer of features of these varieties on the formal usage of the English language which mars effective communication.