Daniel E. Ekoro
University of Calabar, Calabar
Author
Michael Gunn
Federal Polytechnic, Orogun-Delta State
Author
Catherine Eghonghon Madojemu
Federal Polytechnic, Orogun-Delta State
Author
Keywords:
Satire,
COVID-19,
Pragmatic,
Facebook,
Pragmatic Act Theory
Abstract
This study uses satire to investigate COVID-19 social media memes from a pragmatic perspective. It examines memes created and shared by Nigerians on Facebook in reaction to the pandemic from March to September 2020. Data comprised nine memes sampled from a larger set and analysed using Mey’s Pragmatic Act Theory. The study classifies the memes into semantic fields including business innovation and profit-oriented posts, religion and religious leaders’ posts, socio-economic effects on Nigerians, and poor health facilities and corrupt political leaders. Findings show that memes functioned as comic relief and exposed leadership failure, poor governance, and corruption during the pandemic.
