Background of the study
Digital visual content has become an influential factor in shaping language use, particularly morphology, in Nigerian social media. Instagram and Facebook, two widely used platforms, present distinct visual environments that affect word formation and lexical innovation. Instagram posts, characterized by eye-catching imagery and succinct captions, often promote the creation of abbreviations, acronyms, and neologisms that reflect contemporary cultural expressions. Facebook posts, with longer narratives and embedded multimedia, foster more complex morphological adaptations that integrate traditional language with digital innovations (Ibrahim, 2024). This comparative study explores how the interplay of visual and textual elements influences morphological processes, contributing to an evolving digital lexicon in Nigeria. By analyzing data from both platforms, the research seeks to understand the mechanisms behind digital word formation and the broader implications for language evolution (Adeola, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although digital visual content is known to influence language, there is limited comparative research on its effect on morphology in Nigerian social media. Current studies often overlook the impact of visual stimuli on word formation, focusing solely on text. This gap restricts our understanding of how platforms like Instagram and Facebook drive morphological innovation, impeding efforts to develop comprehensive models of digital language change (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To compare morphological innovations on Instagram and Facebook.
• To analyze the influence of visual content on word formation.
• To develop theoretical models for digital morphological change.
Research questions
• What morphological innovations are evident on Instagram versus Facebook?
• How do visual elements affect word formation?
• What are the implications for digital language evolution?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the impact of digital visual content on Nigerian morphology, providing insights into the interplay between visual media and language change. The findings will inform theoretical models and guide language education and policy adaptation (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Instagram and Facebook posts by Nigerian users, excluding other platforms and offline language practices.
Definitions of terms
• Morphology: The study of word formation and structure.
• Digital Visual Content: Images and multimedia used in online communication.
• Comparative Analysis: Systematic examination of differences across contexts.
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