An Assessment of Digital Language Change in Nigerian Online Communication: A Case Study of WhatsApp Group Chats
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Background of the Study
Digital language change is a dynamic process shaped by the interaction of technology and sociocultural factors. In Nigeria, WhatsApp group chats serve as a critical arena where language is constantly evolving. This study investigates the linguistic innovations emerging from WhatsApp group conversations, focusing on vocabulary shifts, syntactic adaptations, and pragmatic markers. Users in these chats frequently introduce neologisms, abbreviations, and creative code‑switching as they negotiate meaning in real time. The immediacy and informality of WhatsApp foster an environment where language adapts quickly to reflect contemporary trends and social identities (Adetayo, 2023). This investigation examines how group dynamics, cultural influences, and digital affordances drive language change, offering insights into the processes that shape modern Nigerian discourse. The study emphasizes the role of WhatsApp as a catalyst for linguistic evolution and its implications for broader communication patterns in digital society (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although WhatsApp group chats are pivotal in driving digital language change in Nigeria, there is a lack of comprehensive research that systematically examines these transformations. The rapid evolution of language in these private digital spaces remains underdocumented, limiting our understanding of how social factors and technological constraints influence linguistic innovation. This gap hinders the development of theoretical frameworks that capture the nuances of digital language change (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To document language changes in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats.
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To analyze the factors driving digital linguistic innovation.
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To evaluate the impact of group dynamics on language evolution.
Research Questions
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What language changes are observable in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats?
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What factors contribute to digital language change in these settings?
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How do group dynamics influence linguistic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides empirical evidence on digital language change in Nigerian online communication. The findings will enhance our understanding of how private digital interactions contribute to broader linguistic trends, informing 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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Digital Language Change: The evolution of language driven by digital communication.
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WhatsApp Group Chats: Private messaging groups on WhatsApp.
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Linguistic Innovation: The process of creating new words, expressions, or grammatical structures.
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