Background of the Study
Social media influencers have become powerful agents of language change, particularly in shaping syntax through their online presence. In Nigeria, influencers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube are redefining traditional syntactic structures by employing unique speech patterns and creative language forms. On Instagram, influencers often use concise captions and hashtags that encourage abbreviated and innovative sentence structures. In contrast, YouTube influencers typically engage in extended video content where conversational syntax and informal discourse predominate. This study examines how Nigerian social media influencers contribute to syntactic innovation by comparing language practices on Instagram and YouTube. It explores how these influencers leverage digital affordances to create content that resonates with their audiences while simultaneously altering grammatical norms. The research investigates factors such as audience engagement, content style, and cultural context that mediate the impact of influencer language on broader digital discourse. Recent studies suggest that influencer-driven language can rapidly diffuse across social media, leading to significant shifts in standard syntactic patterns (Okoro, 2024). This study situates these changes within contemporary linguistic theories, providing a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms behind digital syntactic transformation (Adeniyi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing influence of digital personalities on language use, there is limited research on how Nigerian social media influencers affect syntax across different platforms. The distinct content formats of Instagram and YouTube result in varied syntactic innovations, yet the comparative impact of these platforms remains underexplored. This gap restricts our understanding of the mechanisms through which influencers drive syntactic change and normalize non-standard grammatical constructions in digital discourse (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To compare syntactic practices used by influencers on Instagram and YouTube.
To identify the linguistic strategies employed by influencers.
To evaluate the impact of influencer language on Nigerian digital syntax.
Research Questions:
What syntactic features characterize influencer language on Instagram and YouTube?
How do content formats affect syntactic innovation?
What is the broader impact on standard language practices?
Significance of the Study
This study informs the role of digital influencers in shaping language evolution, providing insights for linguists, media scholars, and communication strategists. It highlights how influencer-driven syntax can transform digital communication in Nigeria (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian influencers on Instagram and YouTube.
Definitions of Terms:
Social Media Influencers: Individuals with significant online followings who impact language use.
Syntax: The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.
Digital Discourse: Communication practices on digital platforms.
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