SMS TEXTING AMONG GSM USERS IN NIGERIA: A MORPHO-SYNTACTIC

Morphologically, there is no hard and fast rule with regards to the users' choice of letters in abbreviation.

Texters use a combination of letters and numbers in their text messages and in some cases they use only

numerals. The data shows that morphological processes of word formation such as compounding, acronyms and

blends are common features that are found in messages of the interlocutors. The analysis also reveals that the

SMS text is seriously controlled by socio-linguistic variables as shared background knowledge, the

metapragmatic principles of economy, user's reasonability and efficiency.

In conclusion, the stylistic device in SMS texts captured in word modifications, phrasal and clausal

manipulations and excessive liberty afforded to the subscribers have given rise to novice language which affects

the morpho-syntactic aspects of the Standard English format.

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