Background of the study
Digital communication platforms have transformed language use across Nigeria, particularly influencing Nigerian Pidgin. As a language that thrives in informal settings, Nigerian Pidgin is subject to syntactic simplification in digital contexts such as social media, instant messaging, and online forums. This study investigates how digital communication drives syntactic simplification, focusing on reduced clause complexity, streamlined word order, and abbreviated grammatical structures (Eze, 2023). Such simplification may enhance message efficiency but could also impact language richness and nuance. The research employs corpus analysis of digital texts and surveys among Nigerian Pidgin speakers to document these syntactic changes. Findings are expected to shed light on how digital environments reshape linguistic structures, potentially affecting language transmission and cultural identity (Ifeanyi, 2024; Nwachukwu, 2025). This analysis contributes to broader discussions on the evolution of pidgin languages in the digital age and informs strategies for balancing efficiency with linguistic integrity.
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing prevalence of digital communication, little research has focused on its impact on the syntactic structure of Nigerian Pidgin. The tendency toward syntactic simplification in online contexts may lead to a loss of linguistic nuance and affect long-term language development (Eze, 2023). The absence of systematic studies on digital-induced simplification hinders our understanding of its implications for communication clarity and cultural identity. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of digital media on Nigerian Pidgin syntax, providing evidence for educational and policy interventions aimed at preserving the language’s richness (Ifeanyi, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
1. To document instances of syntactic simplification in digital Nigerian Pidgin.
2. To analyze the impact of digital communication on syntactic structures.
3. To recommend strategies for maintaining linguistic richness.
Research questions:
1. What syntactic simplifications occur in digital Nigerian Pidgin?
2. How does digital communication influence these structures?
3. What measures can balance efficiency with complexity?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the impact of digital communication on the syntactic complexity of Nigerian Pidgin, offering insights into language evolution in online environments. The findings will benefit linguists, educators, and policymakers by informing strategies to preserve linguistic depth while embracing digital efficiency (Nwachukwu, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on syntactic simplification in Nigerian Pidgin within digital communication. It does not extend to other pidgin forms or offline language use.
Definitions of terms:
1. Syntactic Simplification: The reduction of complex sentence structures.
2. Digital Communication: Exchange of information via electronic platforms.
3. Nigerian Pidgin: An English-based creole widely used in Nigeria.
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