An Assessment of Online Linguistic Innovation in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of Instagram Memes
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- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Online linguistic innovation is a hallmark of contemporary digital culture, and Instagram memes serve as a prime example of this phenomenon in Nigeria. Memes on Instagram are more than humorous images; they are creative expressions that encapsulate novel linguistic forms and challenge conventional language norms. Nigerian users leverage the visual and textual components of memes to introduce new words, phrases, and syntactic structures that resonate with contemporary social experiences (Ibrahim, 2023). This study examines how Instagram memes contribute to linguistic innovation by fostering inventive language practices among users. It explores the interplay between humor, visual cues, and textual creativity, highlighting how these elements combine to produce hybrid linguistic forms that are rapidly disseminated across digital networks (Okafor, 2024). The research analyzes the lifecycle of meme-based language innovations—from their inception and viral spread to their integration into everyday communication. This investigation provides a comprehensive overview of how digital media serves as a catalyst for language change, reflecting the broader cultural shifts in Nigerian society (Adebayo, 2024). By documenting these innovations, the study aims to contribute to the emerging field of digital linguistics and offer insights into the transformative effects of online communication.
Statement of the problem
Despite the widespread influence of Instagram memes on language, there is limited academic inquiry into how these digital artifacts drive linguistic innovation in Nigeria. Existing literature predominantly focuses on the humorous or cultural aspects of memes, neglecting their role as vehicles for language change (Chukwu, 2023). This oversight hampers the understanding of the processes by which new linguistic forms emerge and become normalized in online discourse. Without a systematic examination, the impact of meme-driven innovation on traditional language structures remains underexplored, limiting the development of effective models for digital language evolution (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze the linguistic innovations present in Nigerian Instagram memes.
- To examine the processes through which memes contribute to language change.
- To assess the impact of meme-driven innovations on traditional language practices.
Research questions
- What new linguistic forms are introduced through Instagram memes in Nigeria?
- How do memes facilitate the creation and dissemination of these innovations?
- What implications do these changes have for conventional language norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides an in-depth assessment of online linguistic innovation driven by Instagram memes in Nigeria. The findings will benefit digital linguists, cultural researchers, and media scholars by offering insights into how humor and creativity in digital media drive language evolution (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on linguistic innovations found in Instagram memes among Nigerian users. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline linguistic practices, ensuring a focused analysis of the specified phenomenon.
Definitions of terms
- Linguistic Innovation: The introduction of new language forms and expressions.
- Memes: Digital images or videos combined with text that convey cultural ideas humorously.
- Digital Linguistics: The study of language and its evolution in digital contexts.
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