The Impact of Digital Literacy on Nigerian Phonetics: A Comparative Study of Online vs. Offline Speech Patterns
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Background of the Study
Digital literacy has surged in Nigeria with increased access to technology and online education. This shift is influencing phonetic patterns as individuals exposed to digital media often adopt pronunciation features from online content. Offline speech, typically shaped by traditional schooling and local dialects, contrasts with the rapid, sometimes clipped or exaggerated, speech encountered in digital platforms (Ijeoma, 2023). This study compares phonetic characteristics—such as vowel clarity, intonation, and articulation—in online versus offline contexts to determine how digital literacy impacts Nigerian phonetics. Data will be collected via recordings from classroom settings and digital voice messages, with acoustic analysis used to assess differences. The research explores whether increased digital engagement fosters convergence towards standardized pronunciation or promotes novel phonetic traits that reflect hybrid communication practices (Adeleke, 2024). Such findings will have implications for language education and media production, illuminating how technological exposure reshapes everyday speech (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although digital literacy is rapidly increasing, its effects on phonetic patterns in Nigeria remain underexplored. Existing research tends to focus on literacy outcomes rather than on how digital engagement modifies speech production. This gap hinders our understanding of whether online speech patterns undermine traditional pronunciation or create new, hybrid forms. Without empirical comparisons between online and offline speech, educators and communicators are left without guidelines for addressing potential phonetic changes in digital natives (Ijeoma, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
- To compare phonetic features in online and offline speech.
- To analyze the influence of digital media on pronunciation.
- To assess implications for language education.
Research Questions
- What phonetic differences exist between digital and traditional speech?
- How does digital literacy influence articulation and intonation?
- What impact do these differences have on communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it bridges digital literacy and phonetic research, offering insights into how online exposure influences Nigerian speech patterns. The results will guide educators and media professionals in adapting communication strategies to accommodate evolving phonetic trends (Ijeoma, 2023; Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to comparing phonetic features in selected offline and online speech samples.
Definitions of Terms
- Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively use digital tools and media.
- Phonetics: The study of speech sounds.
- Offline Speech: Language produced in traditional, non-digital contexts.
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