The Impact of Social Media on Nigerian Linguistic Change: A Comparative Study of Facebook and InstagramThe Impact of Social Media on Nigerian Linguistic Change: A Comparative Study of Facebook and Instagram
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Background of the study
Social media has emerged as a dynamic force influencing linguistic change worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. In particular, Facebook and Instagram have become central to the evolution of language in Nigerian digital spaces. Facebook, with its long‐form posts and extensive comment threads, fosters in-depth discussions and the use of standardized language blended with localized slang. In contrast, Instagram, a visually driven platform, encourages creative expression through concise captions, hashtags, and emoji use. Nigerian users on these platforms often adapt their linguistic practices to suit the medium; for example, Facebook users may employ more formal syntactic structures while Instagram users tend to favor brevity and inventive language play (Adeola, 2023). These platforms not only reflect but actively drive changes in vocabulary, syntax, and semantics. The interplay between cultural identity and digital media results in the emergence of new linguistic forms that may eventually diffuse into offline communication. Recent studies have documented shifts in the digital lexicon that correspond with broader socio-cultural changes, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on language evolution (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025). This study, therefore, seeks to compare the linguistic innovations observable on Facebook and Instagram and to determine the extent to which these changes signal a broader trend of linguistic evolution in Nigeria.
Statement of the problem
Despite ample evidence that social media is transforming language, there is limited comparative research on how specific platforms like Facebook and Instagram contribute to linguistic change in Nigeria. Current literature tends to treat digital language as a monolithic phenomenon, neglecting the nuances of platform-specific discourse. This gap restricts our ability to understand whether and how the unique affordances of Facebook and Instagram produce distinct linguistic outcomes. Educators, language planners, and policymakers require targeted data to adapt curricula and language policies to these digital innovations. Without such insights, it is challenging to assess the long-term impact of social media on Nigerian language practices (Chinwe, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
1. To compare linguistic changes on Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria.
2. To identify platform-specific features that drive language evolution.
3. To propose recommendations for integrating digital language trends into education.
Research questions
1. What are the key linguistic changes occurring on Facebook versus Instagram?
2. How do platform affordances influence these changes?
3. What implications do these changes have for language policy?
Significance of the study
This study is significant because it provides a comparative analysis of how Facebook and Instagram drive linguistic change in Nigeria. The findings will enhance sociolinguistic theory and support practical applications in language education and policy formulation by offering insights into the mechanisms of digital language evolution (Adeola, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on Facebook and Instagram content produced by Nigerian users and does not extend to other digital platforms or offline language use.
Definitions of terms
• Linguistic Change: The evolution of language over time.
• Social Media: Digital platforms facilitating online communication.
• Comparative Study: An analysis highlighting similarities and differences between subjects.
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