Background of the Study
Phonetic variation in digital media has become an important area of study as audio-based content proliferates online. TikTok, with its short video format, allows Nigerian users to experiment with vocal expressions, accent features, and intonation patterns. This study examines the phonetic characteristics present in TikTok audio clips, exploring how regional accents and innovative speech patterns manifest in digital performances (Adebisi, 2023). Users often modify their vocal delivery to align with trending challenges, humorous content, or socio-political messages. The dynamic nature of TikTok encourages the rapid diffusion of phonetic variations, which can influence everyday speech and reinforce regional identity. Moreover, the platform’s editing features enable users to manipulate sound, thereby contributing to the emergence of hybrid phonetic forms. This research investigates these trends, providing insights into the impact of digital media on spoken language. By comparing various TikTok audio clips, the study aims to understand how digital interaction fosters phonetic innovation and how these changes are perceived within broader Nigerian social contexts (Eze, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although TikTok has become a major platform for vocal expression in Nigeria, there is limited research on how its audio content drives phonetic variation. The subtle nuances in pronunciation and accent shifts in TikTok videos remain underexplored, leading to gaps in our understanding of digital phonetics. This lack of systematic investigation hampers efforts to document the evolution of spoken language in the digital age and understand its sociolinguistic implications (Balogun, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To identify phonetic variations in Nigerian TikTok audio clips.
To analyze the influence of regional accents on digital phonetics.
To assess the impact of digital editing tools on phonetic innovation.
Research Questions
What phonetic features are prominent in Nigerian TikTok audio clips?
How do regional accents influence these phonetic variations?
What role do digital tools play in shaping phonetic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it documents the phonetic innovations emerging from Nigerian TikTok content. By analyzing vocal variations, it provides a deeper understanding of how digital media influences spoken language, benefiting linguists, sociolinguists, and digital media researchers (Oluwaseun, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining phonetic variations in Nigerian TikTok audio clips and does not extend to other social media platforms or offline speech patterns.
Definitions of Terms
Phonetic Variation: Differences in the production of speech sounds.
TikTok Audio Clips: Short audio segments in TikTok videos showcasing vocal expressions.
Digital Editing Tools: Features that allow manipulation of audio content on digital platforms.
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