Background of the study
The digital revolution has not only transformed modes of communication but has also spurred significant morphological innovation in language use. Instagram, with its visually driven interface, has become a platform where users craft creative captions that often feature novel morphological constructions (Obi, 2023). In Nigeria, where linguistic diversity is a defining characteristic, these innovations reflect the dynamic interplay between traditional language forms and contemporary digital trends. Instagram captions, often brief yet inventive, serve as a microcosm for observing how users manipulate language morphology to express identity, humor, and cultural nuances (Ibrahim, 2024). This study examines the evolution of word forms, affixation, and the creation of neologisms as users adapt language to fit the constraints and opportunities provided by Instagram. The research also considers how these morphological changes are influenced by factors such as audience engagement, cultural pride, and the pressure to remain current in an ever‑changing digital landscape (Okafor, 2023). By analyzing a corpus of Instagram captions, the study aims to document emerging morphological patterns and assess their implications for the broader Nigerian linguistic landscape, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding of digital language innovation (Chukwu, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Despite observable morphological innovations in Instagram captions, there is a dearth of research examining these changes within Nigerian digital discourse. Most existing studies focus on lexical or syntactic changes, leaving morphological creativity largely unaddressed (Adebayo, 2023). This oversight limits our understanding of how digital media drives morphological change. Furthermore, without detailed analysis, the impact of these innovations on conventional language structures and cultural communication remains ambiguous (Obi, 2023). Addressing this gap is essential to document and understand the creative processes that underpin online language evolution in Nigeria, and to guide future studies and language policy considerations.
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it documents the morphological innovations in Nigerian digital communication through Instagram captions. The insights will benefit linguists, digital communication scholars, and educators by highlighting the creative processes that drive language evolution in online spaces (Obi, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to examining morphological innovations in Instagram captions among Nigerian users. It does not consider other digital platforms or offline linguistic practices, ensuring a focused analysis of the specified phenomenon.
Definitions of terms
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