Background of the study
Phonological variation in Nigerian digital content is increasingly evident on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where audio elements play a crucial role. TikTok, with its short-form videos, encourages users to experiment with accent, intonation, and pronunciation through lipsync performances and creative voice modulation (Adebayo, 2023). In contrast, Instagram, while primarily visual, incorporates audio in Stories and Reels that often reflect regional dialects and evolving speech patterns. Nigerian users on both platforms engage in phonetic creativity that results in noticeable shifts from conventional pronunciation norms. This comparative study examines the ways in which TikTok and Instagram foster phonological variation by analyzing user-generated content, exploring the interplay between digital media and speech. The study also investigates the socio-cultural influences that drive these phonetic changes, such as youth culture, digital identity, and global media trends, thereby contributing to our understanding of contemporary language evolution in Nigeria (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although digital media significantly impacts phonological variation in Nigeria, there is limited comparative research on how different platforms influence speech patterns. Existing studies often isolate TikTok or Instagram without addressing their unique contributions to phonetic innovation. This gap hinders our understanding of how digital trends shape traditional pronunciation norms. The study seeks to address this gap by comparing the phonological features in TikTok and Instagram content, thereby providing insights into the mechanisms of digital phonetic change (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative analysis of phonological variation induced by digital media, enhancing our understanding of modern speech patterns in Nigeria and informing both linguistic research and digital content strategies (Adebayo, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses on phonological variation in Nigerian digital content on TikTok and Instagram and is limited to audio analysis of user-generated material.
Definitions of terms
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