Background of the Study
Digital media has significantly influenced the phonetic landscape of Nigerian speech by introducing novel auditory expressions and altering traditional pronunciation patterns. This study compares phonetic variations evident in TikTok and Instagram audio content. On TikTok, users produce dynamic, short-form videos where vocal delivery, accent modulation, and intonation are creatively manipulated to suit trends and challenges. In contrast, Instagram’s audio—often embedded in stories or Reels—incorporates both spontaneous speech and curated vocal expressions, reflecting a blend of regional accents and stylistic choices (Adebayo, 2023). These platforms encourage users to experiment with phonetic features, leading to the emergence of hybrid accents and innovative speech patterns. Factors such as social influence, digital editing tools, and audience engagement shape these phonetic adaptations. By examining and comparing these audio trends, the study aims to document how digital media reshapes traditional phonetic norms and what implications this has for spoken language in Nigerian society (Olu, 2024). The research also explores how digital platforms serve as sites for phonetic innovation, contributing to evolving cultural and linguistic identities.
Statement of the Problem
Although digital media is recognized for its impact on phonetic variation, there is limited research focusing on a comparative analysis of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The distinct auditory cultures fostered by these platforms may lead to different patterns of phonetic innovation, yet current literature does not adequately address these differences. This gap hinders our understanding of how digital audio content contributes to the evolution of Nigerian phonetics and its sociolinguistic implications (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To compare phonetic features in TikTok and Instagram audio content in Nigeria.
To analyze the role of digital editing and social influence in shaping phonetic variation.
To evaluate the implications of phonetic innovation for cultural and linguistic identity.
Research Questions
What phonetic variations are observable in TikTok versus Instagram audio?
How do digital tools and social influences affect these variations?
What are the broader sociolinguistic implications of digital phonetic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative insight into how digital platforms drive phonetic variation in Nigeria. The findings will deepen our understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology and language, providing valuable implications for linguists and digital media scholars focused on phonetic evolution (Akinola, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
Phonetic Variation: Differences in speech sound production among speakers.
TikTok Audio: Short-form audio content produced on TikTok.
Instagram Audio: Vocal content featured in Instagram stories and Reels.
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