Background of the Study
Instagram captions have become a fertile ground for morphological variation in Nigerian digital communication. Users creatively manipulate word forms to craft concise and visually appealing messages that complement images. These adaptations include novel abbreviations, the blending of indigenous terms with global slang, and innovative affixation practices that challenge conventional word formation rules. This comparative study investigates morphological variation by analyzing Instagram captions from Nigerian users. It examines how digital affordances—such as character limits and visual aesthetics—drive morphological creativity, leading to the emergence of hybrid lexical items that reflect contemporary cultural identities (Adeniyi, 2023). By comparing these digital expressions with traditional morphological patterns, the study aims to understand how technology influences language evolution and contributes to a dynamic online lexicon (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although morphological innovations in Instagram captions are evident, research on how digital platforms shape word formation in Nigerian online discourse is limited. Existing studies often focus on isolated linguistic phenomena without examining the broader impact of digital affordances on morphology. This gap restricts our understanding of how new lexical forms emerge and evolve in response to technological and cultural pressures. This study seeks to address this limitation by conducting a comparative analysis of morphological variation in Nigerian Instagram captions, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of digital language innovation (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze morphological variations in Nigerian Instagram captions.
To compare digital word formation with traditional morphological patterns.
To identify factors driving lexical innovation online.
Research Questions:
What new morphological forms are present in Instagram captions?
How do digital constraints influence word formation?
What cultural factors drive morphological variation?
Significance of the Study
This study contributes to our understanding of digital morphology by analyzing Nigerian Instagram captions. Its findings are relevant for linguists and digital media researchers exploring language evolution in online contexts (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Instagram posts.
Definitions of Terms:
Morphological Variation: Changes in word structure and formation.
Instagram Captions: Text accompanying images on Instagram.
Digital Affordances: Platform features that influence language use.
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