A Social Semiotic Study of Online Comments on Underwear Ritual Discourse in Nairaland

Abstract

This study investigates underwear ritual discourse in Nairaland, focusing on social semiotic approach. It particularly explores how language and attitude interact explicitly to communicate attitudinal meaning in this discussion board. Findings show that explicit linguistic realisations such as amplifiers, interrogatives, and symbolism are significant to explicating revolutionary, expository, sarcastic, indifferent, condemnatory and justificatory attitudes.From these attitudes, not many of the commenters are against crime, but very many of them seem to suggest that the solution to the subject of criminality is not in the hands of individuals; it lies in the hands of government. The study therefore concludes that online environment has provided a semiotic space for people to register their involvement in the sociopolitical and economic events of the country.