Background of the study
Digital visual content, which combines images with text, plays a crucial role in shaping language use. In Nigeria, platforms such as Instagram and Facebook exemplify how visual media can influence morphology—the structure and formation of words. Instagram posts, characterized by visually engaging content and succinct captions, encourage creative word formations and the use of abbreviations and emojis as morphological elements. Facebook posts, however, often include longer texts where visual elements complement detailed narratives, resulting in a different pattern of morphological adaptation (Ibrahim, 2024). These differences are indicative of the broader impact of digital visual content on language evolution, as users blend traditional linguistic forms with innovative digital expressions (Adeola, 2023). By comparing morphological innovations on these platforms, the study aims to determine how digital imagery and layout influence the creation of new lexical forms and the transformation of existing ones. This research will contribute to a better understanding of how visual stimuli affect language, ultimately informing theoretical models of digital morphology (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although digital visual content is recognized for its role in shaping language, there is limited comparative research on how Instagram and Facebook influence morphological change in Nigeria. Existing studies often focus on textual content alone, neglecting the impact of visual elements on word formation. This gap hampers our understanding of the mechanisms through which images and layout drive morphological innovation, making it challenging for educators and language planners to adapt to evolving digital language practices (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
1. To compare morphological patterns in Instagram and Facebook posts.
2. To analyze the influence of visual content on word formation.
3. To develop theoretical insights into digital morphological change.
Research questions
1. What morphological innovations are observable on Instagram versus Facebook?
2. How do visual elements affect word structure?
3. What are the implications for language evolution?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores the influence of digital visual content on Nigerian morphology, providing valuable insights for sociolinguistic theory and digital language education. The findings will help educators and policymakers understand and adapt to innovative language practices driven by visual media (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing Instagram and Facebook posts from Nigerian users, excluding other platforms and offline language use.
Definitions of terms
• Morphology: The study of word formation and structure.
• Digital Visual Content: Images and multimedia used in online communication.
• Comparative Analysis: The systematic examination of differences and similarities across contexts.
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