Background of the Study
Morphological innovation, characterized by the creative manipulation of word forms, is a defining feature of Nigerian digital discourse. This study investigates how Instagram and TikTok captions serve as fertile grounds for linguistic experimentation and morphological change. Nigerian social media users often employ inventive alterations in spelling, word formation, and morphological constructions to express humor, identity, and cultural nuances (Olamide, 2023). The brevity and visual focus of Instagram and TikTok encourage users to craft captions that are both expressive and economical. While Instagram captions tend to merge visual context with text, TikTok captions often accompany dynamic audio-visual content, resulting in distinct morphological patterns. These innovations reflect a broader trend of linguistic adaptation where traditional rules are reinterpreted to suit the digital medium. The study aims to document and compare these morphological innovations, examining the ways in which digital platforms foster new linguistic forms and contribute to the evolution of language in Nigeria (Akinola, 2024). By analyzing user-generated content, the research provides insights into the creative processes underlying language change and the interplay between digital media and morphological development.
Statement of the Problem
Although morphological innovation is evident in Nigerian digital discourse, there is a lack of comprehensive research comparing how different platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, contribute to these changes. The absence of comparative studies hinders a nuanced understanding of the influence of digital environments on morphological creativity. This gap limits the ability of scholars and media analysts to capture the dynamics of language evolution driven by social media trends. The study seeks to address this by providing a systematic comparison of morphological innovations on Instagram and TikTok (Fadeyi, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To identify morphological innovations in Nigerian Instagram and TikTok captions.
To compare the morphological features of captions on these two platforms.
To assess the cultural factors driving morphological creativity in digital discourse.
Research Questions
What morphological innovations are evident in Nigerian Instagram and TikTok captions?
How do morphological patterns differ between the two platforms?
What cultural and social factors influence morphological innovation in digital discourse?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it elucidates the processes of morphological innovation in Nigerian digital discourse. By comparing Instagram and TikTok captions, the research offers valuable insights into how digital platforms drive language change and creativity, benefiting linguists, cultural theorists, and digital media practitioners (Olubiyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing morphological innovation in Nigerian digital discourse on Instagram and TikTok. It does not cover other digital platforms or broader linguistic phenomena.
Definitions of Terms
Morphological Innovation: The creative alteration of word forms and structures in language.
Instagram Captions: Textual content accompanying Instagram posts that integrates visual and linguistic elements.
TikTok Captions: Short text accompanying TikTok videos that reflect digital linguistic creativity.
Background of the Study
In view of persistent and wide forms of risks facing their means of living farm...
Background of the Study
Urban slums and informal economies are often intertwined, reflecting both the cha...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Rural-urban migration has become an increasingly significant phenomenon i...
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the evaluation of nigerian ports post-concession performance using Onne...
Background of the study
Semantic shifts, which involve changes in the meanings of words and expressions, are accelerated in digital envir...
Background of the Study
Customer feedback is a crucial resource for tech startups to improve their products, services, a...
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
There is a growing body of literature from researchers and educationists which have made a...
Background of the Study :
Digital finance has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s financial landscape, par...
Background of the Study
Customer feedback is a crucial source of information that helps companies understand consumer needs, measure sati...
Background of the Study
Human resource management (HRM) strategies play a crucial role in the success and growth of manu...