Background of the Study
Social media memes have emerged as a powerful form of digital expression, influencing language use and cultural communication. In Nigeria, memes circulated on Instagram and Facebook are not only sources of entertainment but also serve as vehicles for linguistic creativity and morphological innovation (Oluwaseun, 2023). This study investigates how the creation and dissemination of memes contribute to morphological changes in Nigerian language. Memes often employ creative alterations of words, playful re-spellings, and innovative usages that challenge conventional morphology. Through a comparative analysis of meme trends on Instagram and Facebook, the research explores how different platforms foster distinct linguistic practices and influence language evolution (Adebisi, 2024). The study further examines how cultural nuances, humor, and social commentary embedded in memes reflect broader sociolinguistic trends. Despite the growing prevalence of memes in digital discourse, there is a limited scholarly focus on their role in morphological innovation. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the morphological features of memes, thereby shedding light on the interplay between digital culture and language change in Nigeria (Chukwuemeka, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
There is a significant gap in understanding the effect of social media memes on Nigerian morphology. While memes are widely recognized as a form of cultural expression, little empirical research has focused on how these digital artifacts contribute to morphological changes in language. This lack of evidence creates challenges in assessing the broader impact of meme culture on linguistic practices in Nigeria. The study aims to address this problem by comparing meme trends on Instagram and Facebook and evaluating their influence on language morphology. The dearth of comprehensive research on this subject hinders effective linguistic analysis and the development of models to understand digital language innovation (Ekundayo, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To compare the morphological features of memes on Instagram and Facebook in Nigeria.
To analyze how memes contribute to morphological changes in Nigerian language.
To evaluate the cultural factors influencing meme-driven language innovation.
Research Questions
What morphological changes are evident in Nigerian memes on Instagram and Facebook?
How do memes contribute to the evolution of Nigerian language morphology?
What cultural factors drive the morphological innovations observed in meme culture?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it explores the role of social media memes in driving morphological innovation within Nigerian language. By comparing platforms, it highlights the diverse influences of digital culture on language change, offering valuable insights for linguists, cultural theorists, and digital communication practitioners (Fadeyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing meme trends on Instagram and Facebook and their impact on Nigerian morphology. It excludes other digital platforms and non-morphological language phenomena.
Definitions of Terms
Meme: A unit of cultural information that spreads rapidly online, often through humorous or satirical content.
Morphology: The study of the structure and form of words in a language.
Comparative Study: An analytical approach that involves comparing phenomena across different contexts.
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