Background of the Study
TikTok, as a vibrant platform for digital expression, has given rise to novel phonetic variations through lip‑sync videos. In Nigeria, users engage in creative re‑enactments of songs and dialogues, often modifying pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm to suit digital aesthetics and cultural trends. These lip‑sync variations reveal underlying phonetic innovations that differ from standard speech patterns. This study evaluates Nigerian phonetic variation in TikTok lip‑sync videos by analyzing how users adapt and transform speech sounds. It explores the influence of digital editing, regional accents, and performance style on phonetic output. The research situates these findings within broader phonetic theory and examines how online visual-audio interactions contribute to the evolution of spoken language in Nigeria (Ikechukwu, 2023; Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although TikTok lip‑sync videos are popular in Nigeria, there is limited research on how these digital performances affect phonetic variation. Traditional phonetic studies tend to focus on formal speech, neglecting the creative and informal nature of online audio-visual expression. This gap limits our understanding of the mechanisms driving phonetic change in digital media. The current study seeks to address this by examining TikTok lip‑sync variations, thereby revealing the interplay between digital affordances and phonetic innovation (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze phonetic modifications in TikTok lip‑sync videos.
To assess the impact of digital editing and performance on pronunciation.
To identify cultural factors influencing phonetic variation.
Research Questions:
What phonetic variations are observed in TikTok lip‑sync videos?
How do digital tools influence these variations?
What cultural influences drive phonetic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study provides valuable insights into how digital platforms shape phonetic expression in Nigeria. Its findings will benefit linguists and media scholars by elucidating the impact of online audiovisual performance on spoken language (Ikechukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian TikTok lip‑sync videos.
Definitions of Terms:
Phonetics: The study of speech sounds.
Lip‑Sync Variations: Modified speech patterns in synchronized video performances.
TikTok: A short-video based social media platform.
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