Background of the Study
Social media platforms have become catalysts for linguistic innovation, particularly in the realm of morphosyntax—the interface between word formation and sentence structure. In Nigeria, Instagram and TikTok serve as distinct environments where users continuously reshape morphosyntactic patterns. On Instagram, users integrate visual elements with textual captions to produce innovative grammatical constructions, while TikTok’s fast‑paced video format encourages concise, often fragmented, morphosyntactic forms that reflect the platform’s dynamic nature (Oluwaseun, 2023). These platforms foster an environment where traditional rules are frequently reinterpreted to create new, hybrid forms of expression. Users leverage digital affordances such as filters, text overlays, and editing tools to manipulate language in ways that align with emerging cultural trends and social identities. This study compares morphosyntactic innovations on Instagram and TikTok, exploring how each platform’s constraints and affordances influence language evolution in Nigeria. The research aims to document these changes and assess their broader implications for digital communication, cultural identity, and the future trajectory of Nigerian language practices (Chukwu, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although morphosyntactic innovation is evident on social media, there is limited comparative research on how platforms like Instagram and TikTok drive these changes in Nigerian digital discourse. The distinct communication styles of these platforms suggest that morphosyntactic adaptations may vary significantly, yet existing literature often overlooks these differences. This gap limits our understanding of how digital affordances influence grammatical innovation and the evolution of language in online contexts. Addressing this issue is crucial for developing comprehensive linguistic models that capture the interplay between technology, culture, and language (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To compare morphosyntactic patterns on Instagram and TikTok.
To analyze the impact of digital affordances on grammatical innovation.
To evaluate the broader implications of these innovations on Nigerian language use.
Research Questions
What morphosyntactic innovations are observed on Instagram and TikTok?
How do platform-specific features influence these innovations?
What are the cultural and linguistic implications of these changes?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of morphosyntactic innovation on two major social media platforms, enhancing our understanding of how digital environments drive language change. The findings will inform theoretical models of language evolution and offer practical insights for linguists, educators, and digital media practitioners in Nigeria (Oluwaseun, 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.
Instagram: A visual social media platform featuring text and images.
TikTok: A platform for short‑form video content with integrated audio.
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