The Impact of Social Media Trends on Nigerian Digital Vernaculars: A Comparative Analysis of Facebook and Instagram
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Background of the Study
Digital vernaculars—informal, innovative language varieties that emerge in online communication—are increasingly shaping Nigerian social discourse. Social media trends on platforms like Facebook and Instagram drive the evolution of digital vernaculars, influencing vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatic expressions. Facebook, with its extended posts and community discussions, fosters a vernacular that blends colloquial language with standard forms, while Instagram’s emphasis on visual storytelling encourages brief, punchy expressions and creative abbreviations (Oluwaseun, 2023). These vernaculars reflect the cultural diversity and dynamic social identities of Nigerian users, who adapt language to express humor, solidarity, and social critique. The study investigates how trending topics, memes, and hashtags on these platforms contribute to the creation and dissemination of new linguistic forms. It further examines the role of digital affordances—such as platform design, audience reach, and interactivity—in facilitating language innovation. By comparing vernacular trends on Facebook and Instagram, the research aims to uncover how different digital environments influence language evolution, and how these shifts affect broader communication patterns in Nigeria (Chukwu, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
While digital vernaculars have gained prominence in Nigerian social media, there is limited comparative research on how different platforms influence their formation and evolution. The distinct communicative styles of Facebook and Instagram suggest that language innovation may manifest differently, yet current studies often generalize digital language trends without addressing platform-specific variations. This gap impedes a comprehensive understanding of the sociolinguistic impact of digital media on language change. This study seeks to address the need for focused research on how Facebook and Instagram shape digital vernaculars, thereby offering insights into the mechanisms of language evolution in online contexts (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To compare digital vernaculars on Nigerian Facebook and Instagram.
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To analyze the influence of platform-specific features on language evolution.
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To assess the sociolinguistic impact of emerging digital vernaculars.
Research Questions
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What are the key characteristics of digital vernaculars on Facebook and Instagram?
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How do platform affordances affect the evolution of these vernaculars?
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What is the sociolinguistic impact of these language innovations?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of digital vernaculars in Nigerian social media, illuminating how different platforms drive language change. The findings will contribute to our understanding of digital linguistic evolution and offer practical insights for communication strategies in online environments. The research benefits linguists, sociologists, and media practitioners by detailing the influence of digital trends on everyday language (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
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Digital Vernaculars: Informal language varieties emerging from online communication.
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Facebook: A social media platform supporting long-form text and community discussions.
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Instagram: A visual social media platform with brief captions and creative expressions.
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