A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF DECLARATIVE ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS IN CHRISTIAN CONDOLENCE DISCOURSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS / ANALYSE PRAGMATIQUE DES ACTES ILLOCUTOIRES DÉCLARATIFS DANS LE DISCOURS DE CONDOLÉANCES CHRÉTIENNES SUR LES RÉSEAUX SOCIAUX

Authors

  • Martha Mbu Njui PhD, The University of Maroua, Cameroon
  • Hadi Massai PhD Student, The University of Maroua, Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v10i2.712

Keywords:

pragmatics, declarative illocutionary acts, condolence discourse, social media, Christian communication / pragmatique, théorie des actes de langage, actes illocutoires déclaratifs, discours de condoléances chrétiennes, communication sur les réseaux so

Abstract

This paper examines the pragmatic analysis of declarative illocutionary acts in Christian condolence discourse on social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp. Drawing on Speech Act Theory and Systemic Functional Linguistics, the paper explores how declarative acts function within digitally mediated religious communication. Using qualitative netnographic data drawn from naturally occurring interactions among Christian faithful, the paper identifies key patterns in declarative illocutionary acts such as absolution from God and expression of concern. The findings reveal that declarative condolence utterances function as faith-driven affirmations that construct spiritual realities, provide emotional comfort, and reinforce communal beliefs. These utterances are shaped by shared theological assumptions and contextual factors. The study contributes to sociopragmatic research by highlighting the intersection of religion, language, and digital communication.

Cet article examine les fonctions pragmatiques des actes illocutoires déclaratifs dans le discours de condoléances chrétien sur les réseaux sociaux, en particulier Facebook et WhatsApp. S'appuyant sur la théorie des actes de langage et la linguistique fonctionnelle systémique, cette étude explore la manière dont les énoncés déclaratifs fonctionnent dans la communication religieuse médiatisée par le numérique. À l'aide d'une approche netnographique qualitative, des données ont été recueillies à partir de messages de condoléances spontanés publiés par des utilisateurs chrétiens entre 2022 et 2024. L'analyse révèle que les actes illocutoires déclaratifs construisent des réalités spirituelles, affirment la miséricorde divine, apportent un réconfort émotionnel et renforcent l'identité religieuse communautaire. Ces énoncés sont façonnés par des croyances théologiques partagées et des normes socioculturelles régissant les pratiques de deuil chrétiennes. Cette étude contribue à la recherche sociopragmatique en mettant en évidence l'intersection entre religion, langage et communication numérique dans l'expression contemporaine du deuil.

Author Biographies

  • Martha Mbu Njui, PhD, The University of Maroua, Cameroon

    Dr. Mbu Martha Njui holds a PhD in General Linguistics from the University of Yaoundé 1. Associate Professor at the University of Maroua, Cameroon since 2021, she has published a book and co-authored three others, have also published many scientific papers in both national and international journals. Professor Mbu also holds other responsibilities such as the Head of the Translation Unit at the Advanced School of Engineering of the University if Maroua. Her research interest includes: Theoretical Linguistics (notably, morphology and syntax), and Sociolinguistics.

  • Hadi Massai, PhD Student, The University of Maroua, Cameroon

    Hadi Massai is a PhD student in the Department of English at the University of Maroua, Cameroon. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Higher Teachers Training College and a secondary school teacher. His research interests include pragmatics, sociolinguistics, language education and digital discourse analysis, with emphasis on religious communication in social media contexts.

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Published

2026-05-27

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles