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Full Project – A pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements on Nsuk notice board

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Notices and announcements are integral elements of our daily lives, serving as crucial communication tools in various settings, including schools, offices, public spaces, and the digital realm (Leech, 83). These messages play a pivotal role in disseminating essential information to diverse audiences. Communication itself is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, encompassing the exchange of information through various channels like speaking, writing, and non-verbal cues such as body language (Yule, 20). Understanding the nuances of linguistic communication involves exploring fields like pragmatics and semantics, each shedding light on distinct aspects of language meaning and usage.

Pragmatics, a branch of linguistics, delves into the contextual use of language. It is concerned with how language functions in different situations and the impact of context on the interpretation of words and phrases (Mey, 21). For instance, the word “hello” can take on varied meanings depending on the context in which it is employed. It could serve as a greeting, a conversation starter, or a response to a phone call. Pragmatic analysis is indispensable for unraveling the intricacies of language in practical, real-life scenarios.

On the other hand, semantics, another linguistic discipline, is dedicated to the study of the meaning of individual words and phrases (Lyons, 77). The comprehension of semantics is crucial for effective communication because it enables individuals to understand the intended meaning behind the words they encounter. If the meaning of a word is unclear, the overall message may be lost. Without an understanding of the term, comprehending the content of a notice or announcement becomes challenging.

The interplay between pragmatics and semantics is evident in the dynamic nature of language. Context can significantly impact the meaning of a word. Consider the term “bank,” which can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river (Austin, 62). The intended meaning hinges on the context in which the word is used. Conversely, the meaning of a word can influence the context in which it is employed (Searle, 69). Knowing that “bank” refers to a financial institution sets certain expectations about the surrounding context, likely involving financial matters.

Notices and announcements, despite their ubiquity, have received limited attention in terms of pragmatic and semantic analysis. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements from the Nsukka State University (NSUK) notice board. The NSUK notice board serves as a physical platform on the university campus for sharing information with students, staff, and visitors. The notices cover a wide array of subjects, ranging from upcoming events and academic deadlines to job openings.

Typically, notices and announcements share common stylistic features. They are often characterized by brevity, conveying information concisely and directly. Simplicity in language is another common trait, ensuring that the message is easily understood by a diverse audience (Levinson, 83). Visual elements, such as images or symbols, are frequently incorporated to enhance the clarity and impact of the message.

Understanding the pragmatic and semantic dimensions of notices and announcements is vital for both creators and recipients of these messages. Creators must navigate the complexities of language use in different contexts to ensure their messages are accurately conveyed (Austin, 64). Recipients, on the other hand, benefit from a deeper understanding of the intended meaning behind the words, fostering more effective communication.

Notices and announcements play a pivotal role in our daily lives, facilitating communication in various settings. Pragmatics and semantics provide valuable frameworks for understanding how language is used in context and the meanings of individual words and phrases. Despite their widespread use, notices and announcements remain underexplored in terms of pragmatic and semantic analysis (Searle, 63). This study endeavors to contribute to this area by conducting a pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements from the NSUK notice board, shedding light on the intricacies of language use in these important communication tools.

1.1.1 Brief Historical Background of NSUK

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) is a public university located in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It was established in 2001 by the Nasarawa State Government with the aim of providing quality education and promoting academic excellence in the region.

The university was founded to address the growing demand for higher education in Nasarawa State and its neighboring communities. It began as a multi-campus institution, with its main campus situated in Keffi and additional campuses in other parts of the state. Over the years, NSUK has undergone significant growth and development, expanding its academic programs, infrastructure, and student enrollment.

The establishment of NSUK has had a positive impact on the educational landscape of Nasarawa State and has contributed to the socio-economic development of the region. The university has played a crucial role in producing skilled graduates who contribute to various sectors, including education, healthcare, business, and public administration.

In recent years, NSUK has made strides in research and innovation, collaborating with national and international partners to address societal challenges and contribute to knowledge creation. The university has also been proactive in fostering community engagement and outreach activities, promoting social responsibility and sustainable development.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Notice Board at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the university community. However, the effectiveness of the notices and announcements on the NSUK Notice Board in conveying the intended message to the target audience has not been thoroughly examined. There is a lack of research focusing specifically on the pragmatic and semantic aspects of the language used in these notices and how it influences communication effectiveness. Additionally, there is a scarcity of guidelines and best practices for creating and displaying notices on the NSUK Notice Board.

Previous research by scholars has highlighted similar issues in the context of notice boards in educational institutions. For instance, Smith (48) conducted a study on notice board communication in a university setting and found that language clarity and organization were key challenges affecting effective communication. Similarly, Johnson et al. (93) examined the linguistic and pragmatic aspects of notice board messages in a corporate environment and identified issues related to language choice and information presentation.

However, there is a lack of research specifically addressing these problems in the context of the NSUK Notice Board. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by conducting a pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements on the NSUK Notice Board to assess their effectiveness in conveying the intended message to the target audience. By addressing these issues, this research will contribute to improving communication practices and providing valuable insights for notice board communication in educational institutions.

1.3 Research Questions

What are the types of notice and announcement posted on the NSUK Notice Board?
What are the pragmatic aspects of the language used in the notices on the NSUK Notice Board?

What are the semantic features of the notices on the NSUK Notice Board?

How effective are the notices on the NSUK Notice Board in conveying the intended message to the students?

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to conduct a pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements displayed on the NSUK Notice Board and the specific objectives are as follows:

To identify the types of notices and announcements posted on the NSUK Notice Board.
To analyze the pragmatic aspects of the language used in the notices on the NSUK Notice Board.

To examine the semantic features of the notices on the NSUK Notice Board.

To assess the effectiveness of the notices in conveying the intended message to the students.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is focused on conducting a pragmatic-semantic analysis of selected notices and announcements displayed on the NSUK Notice Board. The analysis primarily examines the language used in these notices, including the pragmatic aspects (intended meaning, context, and communicative purposes) and the semantic features (language structures, vocabulary choices, and information organization).

The study aims to identify the types of notices and announcements posted on the NSUK Notice Board, analyze the pragmatic aspects of the language used, examine the semantic features, and assess the effectiveness of the notices in conveying the intended message to the target audience. The analysis will be limited to a sample of notices and announcements from a January to June, 2023 and may not be generalizable to all notices on the NSUK Notice Board or to other educational institutions. The study will focus solely on the linguistic aspects of the notices and will not delve into non-linguistic aspects such as visual design or physical arrangement of notices on the board.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential contributions to the students, educational institutions, administrators, and communication practitioners. This study enhanced understanding can foster clearer comprehension among students, ensuring that the intended information is received accurately. The study will result in improved communication practices, enabling the notices to effectively convey the desired message to the intended recipients. By identifying areas where language usage may lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding, administrators can implement strategies to ensure that the intended message is accurately received and understood.

The insights gained from this research can serve as a foundation for developing guidelines and best practices for creating and displaying notices and announcements on the NSUK Notice Board, as well as similar platforms in other educational institutions. This study will make a meaningful contribution to improving communication within the NSUK students, enhancing the functioning of the university, and serving as a valuable reference for similar research and practice in the field of notice board communication.

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