The Effect of Digital Media on Nigerian Semantic Variation in Urban Slang: A Case Study of Facebook Posts
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Background of the Study
Digital media has become a catalyst for linguistic evolution, particularly in urban centers where social and cultural interactions are rapid and dynamic. In Nigeria, urban slang has undergone significant semantic variation as a result of digital media influences. Facebook, a widely used platform, serves as a repository for informal communication where users frequently innovate with language to express identity, humor, and social commentary (Ekwueme, 2023). This study examines how digital media platforms like Facebook shape semantic variation in urban slang. It investigates the processes by which meanings shift and expand through the creative use of words, expressions, and symbols. The research explores how digital interactions promote the emergence of neologisms, repurposing of existing terms, and contextual shifts in meaning. These semantic adaptations are influenced by the need for brevity, the interplay of diverse cultural influences, and the rapid dissemination of trends (Ikechukwu, 2024). By analyzing a corpus of Facebook posts from urban Nigerian users, the study aims to trace the evolution of slang and its implications for language change. This investigation contributes to broader discussions on digital linguistics, sociolinguistic identity, and the impact of technology on semantic evolution (Chidera, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the prevalence of urban slang on digital platforms, there is insufficient understanding of how digital media drives semantic variation in Nigerian urban contexts. The fluid nature of meaning in Facebook posts has led to significant shifts in slang usage that traditional linguistic studies have not adequately addressed (Ekwueme, 2023). These semantic variations can result in communication gaps between different user groups, potentially leading to misinterpretation and cultural disconnects. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of online language makes it challenging to capture and standardize these changes (Ikechukwu, 2024). This study seeks to fill this gap by systematically analyzing semantic variation in urban slang as reflected in Facebook posts, offering insights into the mechanisms driving these linguistic shifts and their broader social implications (Chidera, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To analyze semantic variations in urban Nigerian slang on Facebook.
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To identify the processes driving meaning shifts in digital media.
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To assess the implications of these semantic changes for urban communication.
Research Questions:
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What semantic variations are evident in Nigerian urban slang on Facebook?
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How does digital media influence the evolution of meaning in slang?
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What are the social implications of semantic variation in urban digital communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it investigates the impact of digital media on semantic variation in Nigerian urban slang, providing a window into how digital communication reshapes language. By focusing on Facebook posts, the research offers insights into the dynamic processes of meaning change in urban settings. The findings will inform sociolinguistic theory, enhance understanding of digital language trends, and offer practical recommendations for educators and media professionals working in urban communication contexts (Chidera, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to examining semantic variation in urban Nigerian slang as observed in Facebook posts. It does not include other social media platforms or offline slang. Data are drawn from selected posts by urban users.
Definitions of Terms:
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Semantic Variation: Changes and shifts in the meanings of words and expressions.
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Urban Slang: Informal language used predominantly in urban settings.
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Digital Media: Electronic platforms for communication, particularly social networking sites like Facebook.
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