Background of the Study
Memes have become a pervasive form of online communication, merging humor, culture, and language into concise visual-textual packages. In Nigeria, memes play a pivotal role in linguistic creativity, driving the emergence of new expressions and innovative language forms. This study evaluates how memes serve as catalysts for linguistic creativity by examining their structure, content, and cultural context. Nigerian memes often combine indigenous languages with English, resulting in unique hybrid expressions that reflect contemporary socio-cultural realities (Adeniyi, 2023). The interplay between visual imagery and textual content in memes allows for rapid dissemination of creative language practices. As these memes circulate widely on social media platforms, they contribute to evolving linguistic norms and challenge traditional language boundaries (Okoro, 2024). This research investigates the factors that underpin meme-based linguistic creativity and assesses the broader impact on language evolution in Nigeria, thereby offering insights into the role of digital humor in modern linguistic innovation (Chinwe, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
While memes are recognized as vehicles for linguistic creativity, there is a scarcity of empirical studies that examine their specific impact on language evolution in Nigeria. Existing research has primarily focused on the cultural aspects of memes rather than their linguistic implications. This gap hampers our understanding of how meme-driven innovations influence broader language practices and standardization. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing meme content on Nigerian social media and identifying the creative linguistic strategies employed. The findings will clarify the contribution of memes to the evolution of language and address the current oversight in digital linguistic studies (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze the linguistic features of Nigerian memes.
To identify creative strategies used in meme construction.
To evaluate the impact of memes on language evolution.
Research Questions:
What innovative linguistic elements are evident in Nigerian memes?
How do memes contribute to language change in digital contexts?
What is the broader impact of meme-driven linguistic creativity?
Significance of the Study
This study highlights the influential role of memes in shaping linguistic creativity in Nigeria. Its findings provide valuable insights for linguists, cultural analysts, and educators by illustrating how digital humor contributes to language evolution and cultural expression (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms:
Meme: A cultural idea that spreads online through visual and textual elements.
Linguistic Creativity: The innovative use of language to generate new expressions.
Online Discourse: Communication occurring on digital platforms.
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