Background of the Study
Visual narratives on social media have revolutionized how language is adapted and reimagined in digital contexts. In Nigeria, Instagram story captions provide a unique space where visual elements and textual modifications converge to form novel morphological expressions. Users often adapt conventional word forms by incorporating abbreviations, creative re‐spelling, and hybrid lexical constructions that complement the imagery presented in their stories (Chukwu, 2023). These adaptations reflect an interplay between aesthetic appeal and linguistic innovation, as content creators aim to engage audiences with concise yet impactful expressions. The dynamic visual context encourages morphological creativity; for instance, words may be truncated or blended with emotive symbols to convey layered meanings quickly. Such practices not only redefine morphology in the digital realm but also challenge traditional linguistic norms, resulting in a new digital lexicon that evolves rapidly in response to social trends and technological affordances (Oluwaseun, 2024). This study seeks to compare morphological adaptations in Instagram story captions with those found in more conventional digital texts, exploring how visual narratives stimulate language change. It will examine how factors such as audience, context, and platform constraints influence the creation and dissemination of these innovative morphological forms, and assess their broader impact on Nigerian digital discourse (Ibrahim, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing influence of visual narratives on language, there is limited empirical research on how Instagram story captions specifically foster morphological adaptation in Nigeria. Traditional studies have focused on standard written language, leaving a significant gap in understanding the creative word formations emerging from visually driven digital platforms. This research problem is compounded by the rapid evolution of digital communication, which challenges established linguistic frameworks and calls for updated theoretical models. Without systematic investigation into how visual cues interact with text to create new morphological structures, the broader implications for language change remain unclear. This study aims to address these issues by providing a comparative analysis that elucidates the role of visual narratives in morphologically transforming language on Instagram, thereby offering insights into the mechanisms of digital language innovation (Adebayo, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To identify and analyze morphological adaptations in Instagram story captions.
To compare these adaptations with traditional digital text forms.
To explore the influence of visual elements on morphological creativity.
Research Questions
What morphological changes are observable in Instagram story captions?
How do visual narratives influence the adaptation of word forms?
What differences exist between morphological adaptations in visual versus conventional digital texts?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it provides a detailed analysis of how visual narratives on Instagram catalyze morphological innovation in Nigerian digital discourse. By examining story captions, the research enhances our understanding of language evolution in multimedia contexts and offers valuable insights for linguists, media scholars, and digital content creators. The findings will help refine theoretical models of language change in digital environments and inform strategies for effective online communication, ultimately contributing to the broader discourse on digital linguistic creativity (Olu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
Morphological Adaptation: The process of modifying word forms to suit new communicative contexts.
Visual Narratives: Storytelling that integrates images with text to convey meaning.
Instagram Story Captions: Brief textual descriptions accompanying ephemeral visual content on Instagram.
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