Background of the Study
Morphosyntax, the combination of morphology and syntax, is experiencing rapid evolution in digital communication. This study examines Nigerian social media discourse on Facebook and Twitter, focusing on how users manipulate grammatical structures and word formations in these distinct environments. Facebook, with its longer posts and complex narratives, often exhibits traditional morphosyntactic constructions interwoven with creative deviations, while Twitter’s character limitations encourage abbreviated forms and innovative sentence structures (Olu, 2023). These platforms provide fertile grounds for observing language change as users blend formal and informal registers, adopt new lexical items, and modify grammatical norms to suit digital interactions. The study explores how the affordances of each platform shape morphosyntactic practices and contribute to broader language evolution in Nigeria. By comparing Facebook and Twitter, the research aims to uncover patterns of linguistic adaptation, identify emerging grammatical trends, and assess their implications for communication in an increasingly digital society (Adeniyi, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of morphosyntax in online communication, there is limited research on how Facebook and Twitter differently influence grammatical structures in Nigerian digital discourse. The varying constraints and audience expectations on these platforms lead to distinct morphosyntactic adaptations that are not well documented. This gap restricts our understanding of the mechanisms behind digital language evolution and the ways in which social media shapes language norms (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To compare morphosyntactic patterns in Nigerian Facebook and Twitter discourse.
To identify the factors driving grammatical innovation on each platform.
To evaluate the impact of digital communication on traditional language structures.
Research Questions
What morphosyntactic variations are evident on Facebook versus Twitter?
How do platform-specific constraints affect grammatical constructions?
What implications do these variations have for the evolution of Nigerian language?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative analysis of morphosyntactic practices on major social media platforms in Nigeria. The findings will enrich our understanding of digital language change and provide valuable insights for linguists, educators, and digital media practitioners (Chukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
Morphosyntax: The study of the interaction between morphology and syntax in language.
Facebook: A social media platform that supports long-form discourse.
Twitter: A microblogging platform with character limitations affecting language structure.
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