An Examination of Digital Vernaculars in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of WhatsApp Chat Language
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Background of the Study
Digital communication has led to the emergence of unique vernaculars, particularly in countries with rich linguistic diversity such as Nigeria. WhatsApp, a ubiquitous messaging platform, has become a breeding ground for the evolution of digital vernaculars that reflect both traditional language practices and modern digital influences (Ibrahim, 2023). This study investigates how Nigerians adapt their language for digital communication, creating new lexical forms and syntactic patterns in WhatsApp chats. The evolution of digital vernaculars is influenced by socio-cultural factors and technological affordances, leading to language practices that differ markedly from formal written language (Okeke, 2024). WhatsApp chat language often includes abbreviations, emojis, and code-switching, reflecting the dynamic interplay between traditional linguistic norms and contemporary communication needs. As digital vernaculars continue to evolve, they offer insights into how language adapts to new mediums and social contexts. Despite the significance of these changes, there is a paucity of research focusing on the digital vernaculars of WhatsApp users in Nigeria. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the linguistic characteristics and socio-cultural implications of WhatsApp chat language, thereby contributing to a better understanding of modern language evolution in digital spaces (Adesola, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
There is limited research on the evolution and characteristics of digital vernaculars in Nigerian social media, particularly on WhatsApp. As users increasingly rely on informal language to communicate via instant messaging, traditional linguistic boundaries are blurred, leading to new language forms that remain underexplored. The absence of comprehensive studies on WhatsApp chat language creates a gap in understanding how digital communication reshapes everyday language use. This study addresses these challenges by analyzing the linguistic elements of WhatsApp vernaculars and investigating their cultural and social implications. The findings will help clarify the role of digital communication in language change and the potential impact on future language practices (Nwankwo, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
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To investigate the characteristics of digital vernaculars in Nigerian WhatsApp chats.
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To analyze how socio-cultural factors influence language evolution in digital communication.
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To assess the impact of digital vernaculars on traditional language norms.
Research Questions
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What are the key features of digital vernaculars in Nigerian WhatsApp chat language?
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How do socio-cultural influences shape digital language practices on WhatsApp?
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What is the impact of WhatsApp vernaculars on traditional linguistic norms?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides insights into the evolving nature of digital vernaculars in Nigeria. By focusing on WhatsApp, it highlights the interplay between technology and language evolution, offering valuable perspectives for linguists, sociologists, and communication experts. The findings underscore the need to understand digital language trends for future linguistic and educational policies (Obiora, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining WhatsApp chat language and the emergence of digital vernaculars within the Nigerian context. It does not extend to other messaging platforms or offline language usage.
Definitions of Terms
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Digital Vernaculars: New forms of language that emerge in digital communication environments.
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WhatsApp Chat Language: The informal linguistic practices used in WhatsApp messaging.
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Socio-Cultural Influences: Factors stemming from society and culture that shape language and communication.
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