An Investigation of Phonetic Variation in Nigerian Social Media Audio: A Comparative Analysis of TikTok and Instagram
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Background of the study
Digital audio content has become a cornerstone of Nigerian social media communication, with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram emerging as powerful conduits for phonetic experimentation. On TikTok, lip sync videos and voice challenges encourage users to manipulate speech sounds, resulting in creative alterations of pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. Nigerian users often blend local accents with global trends, producing distinctive phonetic patterns that diverge from conventional norms (Adebayo, 2023). Instagram, though primarily a visual platform, increasingly features audio content in Stories and Reels, where users share spontaneous voice messages and commentary that reveal regional dialectal influences. The interplay between these platforms creates a dynamic digital soundscape where phonetic variability not only reflects individual identity but also signals evolving cultural practices. This study investigates the comparative phonetic variations in audio content on TikTok and Instagram, analyzing how each platform’s affordances foster distinct speech patterns and contribute to the evolution of Nigerian spoken language. The research examines acoustic features, such as voice modulation and prosody, and contextual factors—including age, gender, and regional identity—that drive these innovations. By documenting these phonetic shifts, the study aims to contribute to sociolinguistic theory and digital communication research, offering insights into how technology and culture interact to reshape everyday speech (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although phonetic variation is evident in Nigerian social media audio, research comparing TikTok and Instagram is sparse. Existing studies often focus on visual trends or isolated audio features without examining how platform-specific constraints and cultural factors influence speech. This gap limits our understanding of the mechanisms driving phonetic change in digital contexts and their broader sociolinguistic implications. There is a need for systematic analysis to compare acoustic and prosodic features across platforms and determine how these differences reflect emerging linguistic identities in Nigeria (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze phonetic features in Nigerian TikTok and Instagram audio content.
- To compare platform-specific variations in pronunciation and intonation.
- To assess socio-cultural factors influencing digital phonetic innovation.
Research questions
- What are the key phonetic variations in TikTok versus Instagram audio?
- How do platform constraints affect pronunciation and prosody?
- Which socio-cultural factors drive these phonetic changes?
Significance of the study
This study is significant because it offers a comparative insight into how digital media reshapes phonetic practices in Nigeria. By examining TikTok and Instagram audio content, the research contributes to our understanding of contemporary language evolution and digital identity. The findings can inform sociolinguistic theory, digital media strategies, and language education programs, helping stakeholders adapt to emerging communication trends (Adebayo, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on audio content from TikTok and Instagram within Nigerian digital discourse. It is limited to the analysis of phonetic features and does not consider other aspects of language such as syntax or semantics, nor does it cover offline speech patterns.
Definitions of terms
- Phonetic Variation: Differences in speech sound production among speakers.
- TikTok Audio Content: User-generated audio elements in short-form TikTok videos.
- Instagram Audio Content: Sound elements integrated into Instagram Stories and Reels.
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