Background of the study
The rapid expansion of digital communication has transformed language use among urban Nigerian youth, particularly within Facebook group posts. Nigerian urban slang exhibits innovative morphosyntactic patterns that depart from traditional grammatical norms, reflecting the dynamic social and cultural identities of its users. These posts often display unique features such as non-standard word order, creative affixation, and the blending or omission of morphemes. Such phenomena serve not only as markers of group identity but also as adaptive strategies for efficient communication in an informal, digitally mediated context (Adegboye, 2023). Moreover, the evolution of these morphosyntactic features is accelerated by the immediacy and interactivity of social media, allowing users to experiment with language forms that may eventually influence mainstream usage (Ibrahim, 2024). This study aims to systematically evaluate these patterns by analyzing a corpus of Facebook group posts, identifying recurring structures, and examining their functional roles in conveying meaning and emotion. By situating these linguistic innovations within the broader framework of language change and digital communication, the research seeks to bridge the gap between informal urban language practices and formal linguistic analysis. It also considers the implications of such patterns for language policy and education, suggesting that understanding urban slang morphosyntax can enhance curriculum development and cultural documentation (Olawale, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the proliferation of Nigerian urban slang in digital spaces, there is limited empirical research on its underlying morphosyntactic patterns, particularly as manifested in Facebook group posts. Traditional grammatical models often fail to capture the fluid and innovative structures emerging in these informal contexts, leading to an incomplete understanding of how urban slang contributes to language evolution (Adegboye, 2023). This gap hinders the ability of educators and policymakers to incorporate digital linguistic trends into formal language studies and curricula. Furthermore, the rapid transformation of language online raises questions about the impact of these morphosyntactic changes on effective communication and identity formation among Nigerian youth (Ibrahim, 2024). Addressing this gap is crucial to developing a comprehensive linguistic framework that accounts for the dynamic interplay between digital media and language innovation.
Objectives of the study:
1. To identify and document key morphosyntactic patterns in Nigerian urban slang as used in Facebook group posts.
2. To analyze the communicative functions of these patterns within the digital context.
3. To evaluate the implications of these linguistic innovations for language policy and education.
Research questions:
1. What are the predominant morphosyntactic features observed in Facebook group posts?
2. How do these patterns facilitate communication and identity among users?
3. What implications do these innovations have for formal linguistic frameworks and educational practices?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a systematic evaluation of morphosyntactic patterns in Nigerian urban slang, offering insights into how digital media influences language evolution. By analyzing Facebook group posts, the research highlights the creative linguistic strategies of urban youth and their impact on communication efficiency and cultural identity. The findings can inform educators, linguists, and policymakers about integrating contemporary language practices into curricula and language preservation strategies, ensuring that modern linguistic innovations are recognized and appropriately addressed (Olawale, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on morphosyntactic patterns in Nigerian urban slang as observed in Facebook group posts. It does not extend to other social media platforms or formal written language.
Definitions of terms:
1. Morphosyntax: The study of the interaction between morphological and syntactic processes in language.
2. Urban Slang: Informal language varieties used primarily by urban communities.
3. Facebook Group Posts: User-generated content shared within Facebook groups.
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