An Appraisal of Morphosyntactic Features in Nigerian Social Media Language: A Comparative Analysis of Instagram and TikTok
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Background of the Study
Morphosyntax—the interplay of morphology and syntax—has undergone significant transformation in Nigerian digital communication. Instagram and TikTok, two popular social media platforms, serve as arenas for distinct linguistic innovations. On Instagram, users craft captions that blend creative word formation with innovative sentence structures to complement visual content. Conversely, TikTok’s short-video format encourages spontaneous and dynamic language use, leading to non‑standard morphosyntactic constructions. This study appraises the morphosyntactic features evident in Nigerian social media language by comparing user-generated content on Instagram and TikTok. It examines how digital affordances, such as character limits and visual emphasis, influence morphological adaptations and syntactic innovations. Additionally, the research explores socio‑cultural influences that drive these linguistic practices, highlighting the role of identity and cultural expression in shaping online discourse. By employing a comparative approach, the study seeks to reveal the mechanisms behind morphosyntactic variation and contribute to broader theories of digital language evolution (Okoro, 2024; Adeniyi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Although morphosyntactic innovation is evident on social media, there is limited comparative research on how different platforms influence these linguistic features. Existing studies often focus on a single platform, failing to capture the diversity of language practices across Instagram and TikTok. This gap restricts our understanding of the integrated impact of digital affordances on morphology and syntax in Nigerian online discourse. This study addresses the issue by systematically comparing morphosyntactic patterns on Instagram and TikTok, thereby providing empirical insights into the processes driving language change (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To compare morphosyntactic features in Instagram and TikTok content.
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To identify digital and socio‑cultural factors influencing these features.
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To develop a model of digital morphosyntactic evolution.
Research Questions:
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What morphosyntactic variations are observed on Instagram and TikTok?
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How do platform-specific features affect these variations?
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What cultural factors drive morphosyntactic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study advances our understanding of digital language by comparing morphosyntactic practices across major social media platforms. Its findings are valuable for linguists and media scholars in developing models of language evolution in online environments (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Instagram and TikTok posts.
Definitions of Terms:
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Morphosyntax: The study of word formation and sentence structure.
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Instagram: A visual-centric social media platform.
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TikTok: A short-video based social media platform.
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