Background of the study
Digital communication has reshaped not only what is said but also how it is pronounced. In Nigeria, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in the domain of phonetics. These platforms offer users novel ways to produce and consume audio content, influencing pronunciation, intonation, and overall phonetic expression (Okafor, 2023). TikTok, with its short-form video format, often emphasizes exaggerated or stylized pronunciation to capture audience attention, while Instagram’s audio features facilitate a blend of natural speech with digital enhancements (Adebayo, 2024). The interplay between these platforms has generated unique phonetic trends that reflect both local linguistic traditions and global digital influences (Chukwu, 2023). As users experiment with sound effects, filters, and editing techniques, their everyday speech undergoes subtle shifts, leading to new phonetic norms and innovations. This study examines the comparative effects of TikTok and Instagram on Nigerian phonetics, aiming to provide insights into how digital media mediates speech production and alters phonetic patterns in informal communication (Ibrahim, 2024). The research further explores the sociocultural factors that drive these changes and their implications for traditional linguistic practices, offering a comprehensive understanding of digital phonetic evolution (Okafor, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing influence of digital media on speech, there is a lack of comparative studies examining the specific phonetic changes induced by platforms like TikTok and Instagram in Nigeria. Current research has primarily focused on visual content, leaving the impact on audio and phonetics underexplored (Adebayo, 2024). This research gap limits the understanding of how digital editing and sound manipulation affect everyday speech and phonetic identity. Without a focused investigation, educators and linguists may struggle to integrate these emerging phonetic norms into traditional language frameworks, hindering efforts to document and understand the evolution of Nigerian phonetics (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of digital communication’s impact on Nigerian phonetics. The findings will offer valuable insights for linguists and educators about the transformative role of digital media on speech, informing both theoretical and practical applications in phonetic research (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to analyzing digital communication on TikTok and Instagram, focusing exclusively on phonetic changes within Nigerian online discourse. It does not extend to other platforms or offline phonetic practices.
Definitions of terms
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