Pragmatic Function(s) of Pronouns and Pronominals in Nigerian Hip Hop Music

Abstract

Rivalry and enmity are phenomena that seem to have permeated the Nigerian music industry, especially the hip hop genre. In this regard, Nigerian hip hop artistes employ language to demonstrate their superiority over one another. A strategy employed by Nigerian hip hop artistes to assert their differences and superiority is the pragmatic use of pronouns. Here, pronouns are said to do more than achieve coherence.The paper investigates how Nigerian hiphop artistes use pronouns to achieve pragmatic meanings. Nigerian hip hop artistes employ pronouns to project their individuality and personality; identify and solidarise with their fans, and map boundary and polarity with their rivals. The paper submits that, while using pronouns, the Nigerian hip hop artistes express a sense of rivalry and enmity, individuality and personality; identity and solidarity.

Key Words: Rivalry, Nigerian Hip hop artistes, pronouns, pragmatic meanings