An Appraisal of Online Linguistic Innovation in Nigeria: A Case Study of Instagram and TikTok Captions
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Background of the Study
Digital platforms foster unique linguistic innovations, and Instagram and TikTok have become central to language evolution in Nigeria. Captions on these platforms reveal how users creatively adapt traditional language forms to fit the digital context. On Instagram, succinct and visually integrated captions blend local expressions with global slang, while TikTok captions—often accompanying dynamic video content—showcase spontaneous and playful language innovations. This study appraises the linguistic creativity evident in captions from both platforms, examining the emergence of new lexical items, syntactic constructions, and pragmatic markers. The research highlights the role of digital affordances, such as character limits and visual emphasis, in driving linguistic experimentation. By comparing Instagram and TikTok, the study offers insights into how different modes of digital expression contribute to overall language innovation in Nigeria (Adeniyi, 2023). It further explores how cultural factors and platform design interact to produce a hybrid digital language that challenges conventional norms (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although Nigerian social media exhibits significant linguistic innovation, there is limited comparative research on how captions differ across platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Current studies often isolate one platform, failing to capture the diverse modes of expression. This gap restricts our understanding of how platform-specific features affect language evolution. The study aims to address this deficiency by comparing the linguistic features of Instagram and TikTok captions, thereby elucidating the processes behind digital language innovation (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To compare linguistic features in Instagram and TikTok captions.
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To identify new lexical and syntactic forms emerging online.
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To assess the influence of digital affordances on language innovation.
Research Questions:
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What innovative language forms are present in Instagram and TikTok captions?
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How do platform features shape linguistic creativity?
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What cultural factors contribute to digital language innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study enhances our understanding of digital language innovation by comparing two major platforms. Its findings will be valuable for linguists and media scholars in developing models of online discourse in Nigeria (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to caption analysis on Instagram and TikTok.
Definitions of Terms:
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Linguistic Innovation: The creation of new language forms.
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Instagram Captions: Text accompanying images on Instagram.
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TikTok Captions: Text accompanying video content on TikTok.
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