Background of the Study
Instagram captions are emerging as a vital medium for morphological innovation in Nigerian online discourse. Users blend local idioms with global linguistic trends to create novel word forms and expressions that capture cultural identities and contemporary experiences. This study examines the morphological changes occurring in Instagram captions by comparing them with traditional language norms. Nigerian users frequently employ creative affixation, abbreviations, and hybrid lexical forms in captions, transforming conventional morphology to better suit digital communication (Adeniyi, 2023). These innovations reflect a dynamic interplay between visual imagery and textual expression, where the aesthetic of the post influences word formation. The research investigates how the platform’s design, characterized by brevity and immediacy, encourages linguistic experimentation. It also considers the impact of social and cultural factors on these morphological processes, situating them within broader theories of language evolution. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how digital environments catalyze morphological innovation, contributing to a redefined understanding of language in the digital age (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although morphological innovations in Instagram captions are increasingly noticeable, there is limited scholarly research examining their formation and impact on Nigerian online discourse. Existing studies tend to focus on isolated cases of lexical innovation rather than providing a systematic analysis of morphological change. This gap limits our understanding of how digital communication platforms foster new word forms and how these innovations influence broader language practices. The study seeks to address this issue by comparing morphological features in Instagram captions with traditional language norms, thereby elucidating the mechanisms of digital morphological evolution (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze morphological innovations in Nigerian Instagram captions.
To compare digital and traditional word formation processes.
To evaluate socio-cultural influences on morphological change.
Research Questions:
What new morphological forms are present in Instagram captions?
How do these forms differ from traditional morphology?
What factors drive these innovations?
Significance of the Study
This study offers crucial insights into digital language evolution by focusing on morphological innovation in Instagram captions. Its findings are valuable for linguists and digital media researchers, providing a deeper understanding of how online platforms drive language change (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Instagram captions in Nigerian online discourse.
Definitions of Terms:
Morphological Innovations: New forms or modifications in word structure.
Instagram Captions: Text accompanying images on Instagram.
Online Discourse: Communication on digital platforms.
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