An Investigation of Phonetic Variation in Nigerian Social Media Audio: A Comparative Analysis of TikTok and Instagram
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Background of the study
Digital audio content has become a transformative medium for language, especially on platforms that emphasize sound. In Nigeria, TikTok and Instagram represent two distinct audio‐centred environments where users exhibit innovative phonetic practices. On TikTok, lip‑sync challenges and creative voice filters encourage users to exaggerate pronunciation, modify intonation, and employ rhythmic speech patterns that diverge from traditional norms (Ibrahim, 2023). Conversely, Instagram’s audio posts and stories tend to blend natural speech with subtle digital enhancements, reflecting both local dialectal features and global trends. The differing platform affordances—TikTok’s performance‐oriented design versus Instagram’s mixed audiovisual presentation—create unique spaces for phonetic variation. Users’ choices are influenced by peer feedback, trending hashtags, and the desire for viral engagement. As a result, emergent sound patterns not only redefine online communication but may also affect offline speech practices over time. This study investigates these phenomena by analyzing a representative corpus of audio content from both platforms. It aims to identify the specific phonetic changes induced by digital editing tools and performance aesthetics while exploring the sociocultural factors that drive these variations. Ultimately, the research seeks to update phonetic models to incorporate digital influences, offering insights into the dynamic evolution of Nigerian spoken language in the digital era (Okafor, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing popularity of audio‐based content on TikTok and Instagram, there is limited empirical research on how these platforms shape phonetic variation among Nigerian users. Prior studies have focused primarily on visual trends, leaving a gap in understanding the specific speech modifications induced by digital tools. This gap inhibits the integration of emerging phonetic patterns into established models and limits educators’ ability to address evolving speech norms (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
- To document and compare phonetic variations in TikTok and Instagram audio content.
- To identify digital and sociocultural factors influencing these variations.
- To evaluate the implications for traditional phonetic norms.
Research questions
- What are the predominant phonetic modifications observed on TikTok and Instagram?
- How do platform-specific features influence these sound patterns?
- In what ways do these variations diverge from conventional pronunciation?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it reveals how digital media transforms phonetic articulation in Nigeria. By comparing TikTok and Instagram, it informs linguists and educators about emerging sound patterns, aiding in the development of updated phonetic models that incorporate digital influences (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing audio content from TikTok and Instagram among Nigerian users; it excludes other platforms and offline speech practices.
Definitions of terms
• Phonetic Variation: Differences in the production and quality of speech sounds.
• Lip‑Sync Videos: Videos where users mimic or exaggerate speech.
• Digital Phonetics: The study of sound patterns in digital communication.
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