Background of the study
Social media platforms have revolutionized the ways Nigerians express their phonetic identities, leading to notable variability in pronunciation and speech patterns. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram offer users a stage to showcase diverse accents and innovative speech styles. This comparative study explores how different social media environments contribute to phonetic variability by influencing factors such as intonation, stress patterns, and articulation (Ibrahim, 2024). Nigerian speakers utilize these platforms to negotiate identity and cultural affiliation, often blending traditional phonetic elements with modern digital expressions. The study examines both regional and generational differences in phonetic patterns, revealing that digital media provides opportunities for speakers to experiment with and disseminate novel phonetic traits (Okeke, 2023). Additionally, the research considers how external influences, including globalization and media convergence, affect phonetic variability. By comparing platforms with distinct communicative affordances, the study aims to identify common trends as well as platform-specific phonetic innovations, offering insights into the evolving landscape of Nigerian spoken language in digital contexts (Afolabi, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Although Nigerian social media platforms play a critical role in shaping phonetic expression, there is limited comparative research that systematically examines phonetic variability across these platforms. Existing studies tend to focus on isolated instances of accent modification without accounting for the broader digital context (Chukwu, 2024). This research addresses the gap by comparing phonetic features across multiple social media platforms to determine how each influences spoken language. The lack of integrated analysis hampers our understanding of the dynamic interplay between digital media and phonetic change (Okeke, 2023).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative perspective on how social media shapes phonetic variability in Nigeria. The findings will enhance our understanding of digital language evolution and inform educational and media practices by highlighting the interplay between technology and spoken language (Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to analyzing phonetic variability on selected Nigerian social media platforms. It does not consider offline speech or other digital communication forms beyond the platforms examined.
Definitions of terms
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