The Impact of Social Media Platforms on Nigerian Linguistic Identity: A Comparative Study of Instagram and WhatsApp
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Background of the study
Social media platforms have emerged as influential arenas for expressing and shaping linguistic identity. In Nigeria, platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp are not only communication tools but also cultural spaces where language reflects personal and collective identities (Adebayo, 2023). This comparative study explores how Nigerian users negotiate their linguistic identities through the distinct affordances of Instagram’s visual-centric interactions and WhatsApp’s text‑based exchanges. On Instagram, the emphasis on imagery and curated posts often leads to a fusion of local languages with global digital expressions, while WhatsApp facilitates intimate and spontaneous communication, preserving traditional linguistic features alongside innovative forms (Chukwu, 2024). The study investigates how these platforms foster different language practices that contribute to a hybrid linguistic identity, where the interplay between digital media and cultural heritage becomes evident (Okoro, 2023). By analyzing user-generated content on both platforms, the research highlights the ways in which digital interactions inform notions of authenticity, modernity, and cultural continuity in Nigeria. This multifaceted approach provides a richer understanding of how social media platforms serve as catalysts for linguistic change and identity formation (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although the role of social media in shaping linguistic identity is widely acknowledged, there is a lack of comparative studies examining how different platforms influence language practices in Nigeria. Existing research tends to isolate either Instagram or WhatsApp, without considering the interplay and distinctive impacts of these platforms on linguistic identity (Adebayo, 2023). This gap limits our understanding of how digital communication shapes cultural identity and language usage in diverse contexts. Moreover, without a comparative perspective, the specific contributions of visual versus textual interactions to identity formation remain underexplored. Addressing this gap is essential for developing comprehensive strategies that recognize the nuances of digital communication and its effects on Nigerian linguistic identity (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To compare the linguistic practices on Instagram and WhatsApp among Nigerian users.
- To explore how each platform contributes to the formation of linguistic identity.
- To assess the interplay between digital media affordances and cultural expression.
Research questions
- How do Instagram and WhatsApp differ in shaping Nigerian linguistic identity?
- What language practices are predominant on each platform?
- How do digital interactions contribute to the evolution of cultural identity in Nigeria?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of two major social media platforms in Nigeria and their influence on linguistic identity. The findings will be beneficial for sociolinguists, media scholars, and cultural policymakers seeking to understand the digital transformation of language practices (Adebayo, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing language practices on Instagram and WhatsApp in Nigeria. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline communication, ensuring a focused examination of the specified digital phenomenon.
Definitions of terms
- Linguistic Identity: The way individuals express their cultural and personal identity through language.
- Digital Media Affordances: Features of digital platforms that influence communication styles.
- Cultural Expression: The manifestation of cultural identity through language and behavior.
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