An Assessment of Online Linguistic Innovation in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Instagram and TikTok
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Background of the study
Online linguistic innovation is a hallmark of digital culture in Nigeria, prominently displayed through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Nigerian users creatively blend text, imagery, and audio to generate novel linguistic forms. On Instagram, meme captions and story texts often incorporate abbreviations, slang, and hybrid expressions that reflect both traditional influences and modern digital aesthetics. TikTok, with its short-form video format, encourages spontaneous language use that includes catchy phrases, remixed audio, and unique linguistic constructions (Okeke, 2023). This comparative study examines the innovative language practices on both platforms to determine how digital media fosters linguistic creativity. It explores the mechanisms behind word formation, semantic shifts, and syntactic adaptations that characterize online discourse. The study also investigates the socio-cultural factors driving these innovations, such as youth culture, globalization, and digital literacy, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology and language in Nigeria (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although online linguistic innovation is evident on social media, there is limited comparative research on how platforms like Instagram and TikTok uniquely contribute to language change in Nigeria. Existing studies often focus on one platform or provide a superficial analysis of trends, thereby neglecting the deeper linguistic mechanisms at play. This gap limits our understanding of how digital media influences vocabulary, syntax, and overall language evolution. The study seeks to address this deficiency by systematically comparing linguistic innovations across Instagram and TikTok, clarifying their broader implications for Nigerian digital communication (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To compare linguistic innovations on Instagram and TikTok in Nigerian digital discourse.
- To identify key processes driving language change on these platforms.
- To assess the socio-cultural impact of online linguistic innovation.
Research questions
- What novel linguistic features are evident on Instagram and TikTok?
- How do these features differ between the platforms?
- What socio-cultural factors contribute to these innovations?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative analysis of online linguistic innovation in Nigerian social media, enhancing our understanding of digital language evolution and informing both academic and practical applications in media and education (Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Nigerian digital discourse on Instagram and TikTok and focuses on linguistic innovation. It does not extend to other platforms or offline communication practices.
Definitions of terms
- Linguistic Innovation: The creation of new words, expressions, or grammatical structures.
- Instagram: A social media platform centered on visual content and accompanying text.
- TikTok: A platform for short-form video content that encourages spontaneous language use.
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