Background of the study
Digital content creation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has ushered in novel phonological practices. In Nigeria, TikTok lip‑sync videos and Instagram audio posts reveal significant deviations in pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm compared to conventional speech (Ibrahim, 2023). TikTok’s performance‐oriented format often encourages exaggerated articulatory features, while Instagram, with its blend of visual and audio content, promotes subtle phonetic modifications influenced by digital filters and editing tools (Okafor, 2024). This study compares phonological variation in Nigerian digital content across these two platforms, analyzing how digital affordances and cultural influences drive new sound patterns. It investigates the role of performance, technological manipulation, and peer feedback in shaping emergent phonetic norms, thereby providing insights into the evolution of spoken language in digital contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to updated phonetic models that account for digital innovations and influence language change.
Statement of the problem
Although phonological variation is evident in Nigerian digital content, comparative research between TikTok and Instagram remains sparse. Many studies overlook the auditory modifications induced by digital tools and focus predominantly on visual content. This gap limits our understanding of how platform-specific features drive phonetic innovation, thereby impeding the integration of digital phonetics into traditional linguistic theories (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• Analyze phonetic variations in Nigerian TikTok and Instagram audio content.
• Examine the impact of digital editing tools on pronunciation.
• Compare emergent digital phonetics with conventional speech patterns.
Research questions
• What phonological variations are observable on TikTok versus Instagram?
• How do digital affordances influence these sound patterns?
• How do these variations compare to traditional phonetic norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of phonological variation in Nigerian digital content. Its insights will aid in updating phonetic models to better reflect the influence of digital media on spoken language (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to TikTok and Instagram audio content among Nigerian users, excluding other platforms and offline speech.
Definitions of terms
• Phonological Variation: Differences in speech sound production.
• Digital Content: User-generated audio and visual media online.
• Audio Trends: Patterns in sound usage in digital communication.
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