An Investigation of Code‑Mixing in Nigerian Digital Communication: A Study of Twitter and WhatsApp Posts
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Background of the Study
Code‑mixing, the blending of languages within a single discourse, is a salient feature of Nigerian digital communication. This study examines how Nigerian users integrate multiple languages in Twitter and WhatsApp posts to negotiate identity, convey cultural nuances, and address varied audiences. On Twitter, the character limit and public nature of posts often encourage succinct and strategic code‑mixing, while WhatsApp’s private messaging environment permits more spontaneous and conversational language shifts (Adetayo, 2023). The interplay of indigenous languages with English reflects historical, social, and educational influences, resulting in hybrid expressions that enrich communication. Digital platforms provide the context in which linguistic boundaries are fluid, enabling speakers to toggle between languages as a communicative resource. This research explores the conditions that prompt code‑mixing, the frequency of language alternation, and the resulting impact on message clarity and identity formation. By contrasting Twitter’s brevity with WhatsApp’s conversational style, the study illuminates how technology and social context jointly shape bilingual discourse in Nigeria (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the widespread occurrence of code‑mixing in Nigerian digital communication, there is a paucity of comparative studies that examine how different platforms foster these practices. The distinct features of Twitter and WhatsApp may lead to varying patterns of language alternation, yet current research has not fully captured these differences. This gap limits our understanding of the sociolinguistic dynamics underpinning digital bilingualism and hinders the development of effective communication strategies for diverse audiences (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To analyze code‑mixing patterns in Nigerian Twitter and WhatsApp posts.
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To compare the triggers and contexts for language alternation on each platform.
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To assess the impact of code‑mixing on digital identity and message clarity.
Research Questions
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What are the common code‑mixing practices on Twitter and WhatsApp?
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How do platform-specific features influence language alternation?
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What are the implications of code‑mixing for identity construction in digital discourse?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of code‑mixing in Nigerian digital communication. The insights gained will enhance our understanding of bilingual practices online and inform strategies for effective digital messaging in multilingual contexts. It offers valuable perspectives for educators, linguists, and digital media practitioners (Chukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
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Code‑Mixing: The blending of elements from two or more languages within a conversation.
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Twitter Posts: Short messages on Twitter characterized by brevity.
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WhatsApp Posts: Informal text messages exchanged on WhatsApp.
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