The Effect of Viral Memes on Nigerian Morphological Innovation: A Case Study of Facebook and TikTok
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Background of the study
Viral memes have become central to digital culture, serving as a creative outlet for morphological innovation in Nigeria. On platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, memes combine visual imagery with textual elements, leading to the creation of novel word forms, abbreviations, and linguistic blends. These digital artifacts often capture cultural sentiments, humor, and social commentary, while simultaneously reshaping traditional word structures (Afolabi, 2023). On Facebook, meme captions and comments are crafted in a way that challenges conventional morphology by repurposing existing words or coining new ones. TikTok’s rapid, visually engaging content further accelerates these processes by promoting short-lived yet widely disseminated linguistic trends (Ibrahim, 2024). The interplay between humor, creativity, and cultural identity is evident in these digital expressions, making memes a powerful driver of morphological change. This study investigates the mechanisms by which viral memes on Facebook and TikTok contribute to linguistic innovation in Nigeria, examining how digital creativity influences morphology and broadens the lexicon (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the widespread use of viral memes as vehicles for linguistic innovation, there is limited research on their impact on morphological patterns in Nigerian digital discourse. Existing studies often focus on the cultural or visual aspects of memes, neglecting the detailed analysis of the linguistic transformations they engender. This gap prevents a full understanding of how digital humor and creativity foster the development of new lexical items and morphological processes. Consequently, language educators and policymakers lack empirical data necessary to adapt to rapid lexical changes driven by online meme culture (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
1. To analyze morphological changes induced by viral memes on Facebook and TikTok.
2. To identify patterns in new word formations resulting from meme culture.
3. To assess the implications of these innovations for Nigerian language evolution.
Research questions
1. How do viral memes contribute to morphological innovation?
2. What patterns of word formation are observable in meme-driven language?
3. How do these innovations impact traditional morphological structures?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it elucidates the role of viral memes in driving morphological innovation in Nigerian digital communication. The findings will inform linguistic theory and offer practical insights for language education and policy adaptation in the digital era (Afolabi, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing viral meme content on Facebook and TikTok, excluding other platforms and offline language practices.
Definitions of terms
• Morphological Innovation: The creation of new word forms or alterations in existing ones.
• Viral Meme: A piece of digital content that spreads rapidly and widely online.
• Digital Lexicon: The vocabulary emerging from online interactions.
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