Background of the study
Nigeria’s rich multilingual heritage is vividly reflected in its digital communication, where code‑mixing—alternating between languages—is common. On WhatsApp, private conversations allow spontaneous mixing of indigenous languages and English, while Facebook’s more public environment encourages a strategic blend of formal and informal registers (Ibrahim, 2023). These platforms create distinct contexts that shape code‑mixing practices differently. This study assesses code‑mixing in Nigerian digital discourse by comparing language use on WhatsApp and Facebook. It investigates how factors such as audience size, message formality, and social context drive the frequency and style of code‑mixing. The research also examines the role of code‑mixing in identity construction and cultural expression, highlighting its significance in reflecting Nigeria’s linguistic diversity (Okafor, 2024). By analyzing user-generated data from both platforms, the study aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of multilingual practices in digital environments and their implications for communication theory (Adebayo, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the prevalence of code‑mixing in Nigerian digital communication, few studies have compared its practice across private and public platforms. Existing research often generalizes code‑mixing without accounting for the contextual differences between WhatsApp and Facebook, limiting our understanding of its sociolinguistic implications. This gap hampers efforts to develop comprehensive models of digital multilingualism (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of code‑mixing across different digital contexts, enhancing our understanding of multilingual practices in Nigeria. The findings will inform language education and communication policy (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
Limited to Nigerian WhatsApp and Facebook interactions; it does not include other platforms or offline multilingual practices.
Definitions of terms
• Code‑Mixing: The blending of two or more languages within a conversation.
• Digital Discourse: Online communication practices.
• Multilingualism: The use of multiple languages in communication.
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