An Examination of Morphological Innovation in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Twitter and TikTok
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Background of the study
Morphological innovation, involving the creation of new word forms and alterations in existing linguistic structures, has become increasingly evident in Nigerian social media. Platforms such as Twitter and TikTok serve as incubators for linguistic creativity where users frequently experiment with word formation, blending traditional morphology with digital trends (Ibrahim, 2023). This study conducts a comparative analysis between Twitter’s text-based posts and TikTok’s multimedia content to explore how morphological changes are manifested across different digital environments. Twitter’s brevity encourages the use of abbreviations, acronyms, and portmanteaus, while TikTok’s audio visual format promotes neologisms that reflect cultural idioms and viral trends (Chima, 2024). These platforms, while distinct in format, both facilitate rapid linguistic evolution as users respond to cultural shifts and technological innovations. By examining user generated content, the study seeks to identify the factors that drive morphological innovation and the role of digital platforms in accelerating language change. The comparative approach provides insights into the interplay between technology and language, emphasizing the unique contributions of each platform to the evolution of Nigerian morphology (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite evidence of rapid morphological innovation in Nigerian social media, existing research rarely offers a comparative perspective on how different platforms, such as Twitter and TikTok, influence these changes. Many studies focus on either text based or audio visual communication without considering the interplay between platforms (Chinwe, 2023). This lack of comparative analysis hampers a holistic understanding of the factors that contribute to morphological creativity in digital spaces. Furthermore, educators and linguists are challenged by the absence of theoretical frameworks that account for platform specific linguistic innovations. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically comparing the morphological practices on Twitter and TikTok, thereby offering insights into the drivers of digital language evolution and their implications for sociolinguistic theory (Nwankwo, 2024).
Objectives of the study
1. To identify morphological innovations on Twitter and TikTok among Nigerian users.
2. To compare the linguistic features and word formation strategies on both platforms.
3. To develop theoretical insights into digital morphological change.
Research questions
1. What types of morphological innovations are prevalent on Twitter versus TikTok?
2. How do platform characteristics influence word formation processes?
3. What implications do these innovations have for Nigerian sociolinguistics?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative analysis of morphological innovation on Twitter and TikTok, illuminating how digital platforms drive language change in Nigeria. The findings will enrich sociolinguistic theories and provide practical insights for language educators adapting to digital communication trends. By examining diverse platforms, the research underscores the importance of integrating digital linguistic practices into broader cultural and educational frameworks (Afolabi, 2023; Eze, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing morphological innovations in Nigerian social media content on Twitter and TikTok, excluding other platforms and offline language practices.
Definitions of terms
• Morphological Innovation: The creation of new word forms or modifications of existing ones.
• Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
• Comparative Analysis: A research method that evaluates similarities and differences between subjects.
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