Ghanaian usage of the interjection 'hmm' in online discourse

This study presents a qualitative analysis of the interjection hmm in written online discourse among Ghanaians. Using the theory of pragmatic borrowing, the study focuses on the orthography, positions, collocational patterns, and discourse-pragmatic functions of the interjection. The data analyzed were obtained from Twitter (X). The results show that in online discourse, hmm can be lengthened to show the intensity of one’s emotion or reaction. The interjection can begin and end a post or be in the middle of a post. Also, it can co-occur with other interjections, pragmatic markers, and specific reference terms. Hmm functions as a verbal token of silence, and a user who opts for it may avoid face threatening acts and avert trouble. It may also be used in various contexts to express a range of emotions, such as disappointment, pain/grief, and pity. The study supports the observation that social media interactions share some similarities with face-to-face interactions.