Pub Interaction in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Studies in the area of discourse analysis in Nigeria have explored so many aspects of human life. However, existing studies have glossed over the nature of discussions in pubs. Sourcing data from selected pubs in three southwestern states of Nigeria, this study investigates the nature of interactions in pubs, using register and common ground theoretical framework.  Analysing a total of nine (9) excerpts, the study shows that women/ladies, football and politics are three common topics in the discourse in southwestern pubs. The means of conversing is always spoken and this makes for the spontaneous flow of the discussions. Discussions are usually casual despite the fact that affective involvement is usually high. The affective involvement is usually due to the passion people have for the topics identified. Power relation is usually equal and, in few cases where it is not, common ground’s coordinating devices like convention, precedence and manifest are utilised to sustain cordiality and avoid domination or intimidation. The study concludes that language use in pubs has its peculiarity and uniqueness and therefore deserves linguistic enquiry.