Background of the study
Social media has significantly impacted the phonetic aspects of language, particularly in dynamic digital spaces like TikTok. In Nigeria, TikTok audio trends showcase innovative phonetic modifications, including altered pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. Users employ creative vocal techniques to enhance entertainment value and engage with trending challenges, resulting in noticeable shifts in standard phonetic patterns (Akinyemi, 2023). The platform’s short‐form video format encourages rapid experimentation with speech sounds, leading to the adoption of new accents and speech modulations that diverge from traditional norms. These phonetic innovations not only reflect cultural influences but also highlight the adaptability of language in digital contexts (Ibrahim, 2024). By comparing TikTok audio trends with conventional spoken language, this study aims to analyze how digital practices contribute to phonetic evolution in Nigerian social media, thereby informing broader discussions on language change in the digital era (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing influence of TikTok on speech patterns, there is limited research on the specific phonetic variations emerging from Nigerian TikTok audio trends. Most studies have focused on textual content or visual trends, leaving a gap in our understanding of digital phonetic innovation. This lack of detailed analysis hinders efforts to develop models that capture the nuances of pronunciation changes induced by digital media. Educators and language researchers require comprehensive data on these phonetic modifications to adapt teaching strategies and linguistic models for the digital age (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
1. To analyze phonetic variations in Nigerian TikTok audio content.
2. To compare digital phonetic trends with traditional speech patterns.
3. To develop models explaining digital phonetic innovation.
Research questions
1. What phonetic variations are observable in TikTok audio trends?
2. How do these variations differ from conventional pronunciation?
3. What factors contribute to these phonetic changes?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it assesses the impact of TikTok on Nigerian phonetics, advancing our understanding of digital sound innovation. The findings will support linguistic theory and help adapt language education to evolving digital speech patterns (Akinyemi, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing TikTok audio trends among Nigerian users, excluding other social media platforms and offline speech.
Definitions of terms
• Phonetics: The study of speech sounds and pronunciation.
• Digital Phonetics: Phonetic changes resulting from digital communication.
• TikTok Audio Trends: Popular vocal patterns emerging on TikTok.
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