An Investigation of Digital Language Change in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Facebook and Instagram
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Background of the study
Digital language change is a dynamic process shaped by the affordances of social media platforms. In Nigeria, Facebook and Instagram are critical in fostering linguistic innovation. Facebook, with its long‑form posts and interactive comment sections, encourages elaborate language use and gradual evolution in syntax and vocabulary. Instagram, on the other hand, relies on concise captions and visual storytelling, leading to rapid, often radical, lexical adaptations (Ibrahim, 2023). This study investigates how language change occurs on these platforms by comparing the linguistic practices of Nigerian users. It examines the influence of digital affordances, audience engagement, and cultural trends on language evolution. Through comparative analysis, the research aims to identify patterns of digital language change, such as neologism formation, syntactic shifts, and semantic shifts. This inquiry contributes to our understanding of how social media drives linguistic transformation and informs broader models of digital communication in multilingual societies (Okafor, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although evidence of digital language change is abundant on social media, there is limited comparative research on how platforms like Facebook and Instagram differentially influence this process in Nigeria. Many studies focus on single platforms, neglecting the interplay between various digital environments and language evolution, which restricts a comprehensive understanding of digital linguistic change (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
- To compare language use on Nigerian Facebook and Instagram.
- To identify patterns of lexical, syntactic, and semantic change.
- To assess the role of digital affordances in driving language evolution.
Research questions
- How does language change differ between Facebook and Instagram?
- What are the key linguistic innovations observed?
- How do platform features influence these changes?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative perspective on digital language change, enhancing our understanding of how social media shapes language in Nigeria. Its findings will inform digital communication models and language policy development (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses on Nigerian Facebook and Instagram posts and does not cover other digital platforms or offline language.
Definitions of terms
• Language Change: The evolution of linguistic forms over time.
• Digital Affordances: Features of online platforms that influence language use.
• Comparative Analysis: A method of contrasting language use across different media.
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