An Investigation of Semantic Innovations in Nigerian Social Media: A Study of Meme Culture in Lagos
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Background of the Study
Social media has become a fertile ground for linguistic creativity, particularly in urban centers like Lagos, where meme culture thrives. Memes, as a form of digital expression, are known for their rapid evolution and semantic innovation. They often employ wordplay, visual cues, and hybrid language forms that challenge traditional semantic boundaries (Uche, 2023). This study explores how meme culture in Lagos serves as a platform for semantic innovation, allowing users to express complex social and political ideas in humorous or satirical ways. The semantic shifts that occur in memes reflect the dynamic interplay between global cultural trends and local linguistic practices. Through an analysis of popular memes shared on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, the research aims to document the novel semantic constructions that emerge from this digital discourse. The study will assess how these innovations influence broader language use in social media contexts and contribute to ongoing cultural conversations. By understanding the mechanisms behind semantic creativity in memes, the research seeks to provide insights into the evolution of language in the digital age and its implications for communication and identity formation (Uche, 2023; Eze, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing prominence of meme culture in Nigerian social media, there is limited scholarly research on the semantic innovations that arise from this phenomenon. While memes are widely recognized as vehicles for humor and social commentary, the processes by which new meanings are constructed and disseminated remain underexplored. This gap in research restricts our understanding of how semantic innovations in memes influence broader language practices and cultural narratives. The lack of systematic analysis of meme semantics impedes efforts to grasp the full impact of digital communication on linguistic evolution. This study aims to address these issues by analyzing semantic changes in Nigerian memes, providing a framework for understanding digital language innovation (Uche, 2023; Eze, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
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To document semantic innovations in Nigerian memes.
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To analyze the linguistic mechanisms behind meme creation.
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To assess the influence of meme semantics on broader social media language use.
Research Questions
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What are the key semantic innovations in Nigerian memes?
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How do these innovations emerge and evolve within meme culture?
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How do meme-driven semantic changes influence broader language use on social media?
Significance of the Study
This study provides valuable insights into the digital transformation of language through meme culture. By examining semantic innovations in Nigerian social media, the research will inform digital media scholars, linguists, and cultural theorists about the dynamic processes of language evolution in the digital era. The findings will enhance understanding of how creative digital expressions shape cultural narratives and identity formation (Uche, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to the analysis of semantic innovations in meme culture within Lagos and does not cover other digital media forms.
Definitions of Terms
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Semantic Innovations: New meanings or interpretations created through language use.
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Meme Culture: A digital phenomenon where ideas are spread through humorous or satirical images and texts.
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Digital Discourse: Communication that occurs through digital media platforms.
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