Background of the Study
Nigerian youth slang has emerged as a vibrant linguistic phenomenon, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram. Semantic networks within this slang involve interconnected meanings, where words acquire multiple, context-dependent connotations (Uche, 2023). This study investigates how semantic relationships are formed and maintained within Nigerian youth slang as expressed on Instagram. Through the dynamic interplay of hashtags, emojis, and colloquial expressions, users create a rich tapestry of meaning that reflects contemporary cultural and social trends (Ifeanyi, 2024). The research explores how these semantic networks evolve over time and the extent to which they influence identity construction among Nigerian youth. By analyzing Instagram posts and the language of captions and comments, the study aims to map out the semantic relationships among slang terms and uncover the cultural implications of this linguistic creativity (Ngozi, 2025). This investigation not only contributes to the understanding of modern digital communication but also offers insights into the broader sociolinguistic processes shaping youth language in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
While Nigerian youth slang on Instagram is a dynamic area of study, there is a lack of empirical research focusing on its underlying semantic networks. Previous studies have examined individual slang terms without considering how these terms interconnect to form a broader semantic system (Chidinma, 2023). This gap hinders a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and social influences driving language innovation among Nigerian youth. The transient nature of digital slang further complicates efforts to document and analyze its semantic dimensions. Therefore, this study seeks to systematically explore the semantic networks in Nigerian youth slang on Instagram, offering insights into how meaning is constructed and negotiated in digital contexts (Amaka, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it unveils the complex semantic networks underpinning Nigerian youth slang on Instagram. The findings will enhance our understanding of digital language evolution and cultural identity among young Nigerians. Insights from this research will be valuable for sociolinguists, digital media analysts, and educators interested in contemporary language change (Uche, 2023; Ifeanyi, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the analysis of semantic networks in Nigerian youth slang as manifested on Instagram.
Definitions of Terms
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