Background of the Study
Digital communication is reshaping language, particularly morphosyntax—the interplay between word formation and sentence structure. In Nigeria, Facebook and WhatsApp are two predominant platforms where users display distinct morphosyntactic patterns. Facebook’s public forum supports more elaborate, context-rich posts with traditional grammatical structures, while WhatsApp’s private messaging environment encourages brevity, informal syntax, and creative adaptations. This study examines how digital communication trends influence Nigerian morphosyntax by comparing language use on these two platforms. It explores the impact of platform-specific affordances, such as character limits, group dynamics, and audience composition, on morphosyntactic choices. The research aims to uncover the processes driving syntactic simplification and morphological innovation in online discourse, thereby contributing to our broader understanding of language evolution in digital contexts (Okoro, 2024; Adeniyi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Although morphosyntactic variation in digital communication is evident, there is limited comparative research on how platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp influence these language features in Nigeria. Most studies have focused on either syntax or morphology in isolation, failing to capture the integrated effects of digital affordances on language structure. This gap restricts our understanding of how different digital environments contribute to linguistic simplification and innovation. The current study seeks to address this deficiency by comparing morphosyntactic patterns across Facebook and WhatsApp, thereby providing insights into the mechanisms of digital language change (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To compare morphosyntactic features on Facebook and WhatsApp.
To identify digital factors influencing language structure.
To develop a model of digital morphosyntax evolution.
Research Questions:
What morphosyntactic patterns are observed on Facebook versus WhatsApp?
How do platform-specific constraints influence these patterns?
What mechanisms drive morphosyntactic change in digital communication?
Significance of the Study
This study provides essential insights into digital language evolution by comparing morphosyntax across major Nigerian platforms. Its findings are valuable for linguists and digital media scholars in understanding how technological and social factors shape language (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Facebook and WhatsApp posts.
Definitions of Terms:
Morphosyntax: The combined study of word formation and sentence structure.
Facebook: A social media platform for public discourse.
WhatsApp: A messaging platform for private communication.
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