An Investigation of Semantic Networks in Nigerian Urban Slang: A Comparative Analysis of Hashtag Usage
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Background of the Study
Nigerian urban slang has evolved dramatically with the rise of social media, and hashtags now serve as powerful vehicles for meaning construction. This study investigates the semantic networks created by hashtag usage in urban slang, exploring how interconnected meanings are formed, negotiated, and spread among Nigerian youth. Hashtags not only serve as topic markers but also as repositories for cultural references, humor, and socio-political commentary (Olu, 2023). Urban slang, replete with creative wordplay and non-standard expressions, reveals complex semantic relationships that are pivotal in digital discourse. By mapping these networks, this research seeks to understand how individual hashtags contribute to broader linguistic trends and shape collective identities. The study utilizes corpus analysis of Twitter and Instagram posts to examine co-occurrence patterns and contextual associations, thus revealing latent semantic structures (Chinonso, 2024). This investigation highlights the role of digital platforms in accelerating language change and offers insights into how semantic networks in urban slang can influence public opinion and identity formation (Afolabi, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing influence of hashtags in shaping urban linguistic practices, there is limited empirical research on the semantic networks underlying hashtag usage in Nigerian urban slang. Existing studies tend to focus on frequency and stylistic trends rather than on the intricate semantic relationships formed by these digital markers (Olu, 2023). This gap impedes our understanding of how hashtag networks contribute to meaning-making and cultural expression in urban communities. Without a systematic analysis, the potential of hashtags to both unify and diversify discourse remains underexplored. This study addresses these deficiencies by offering a comparative analysis that elucidates the networked semantics of hashtag usage in Nigerian urban slang (Chinonso, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
- To map the semantic relationships among hashtags in Nigerian urban slang.
- To analyze how these networks reflect cultural and social trends.
- To assess the influence of hashtag networks on public discourse.
Research Questions
- What are the key semantic relationships present in Nigerian hashtag usage?
- How do these networks vary across different urban contexts?
- In what ways do hashtag networks influence cultural expression?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it unveils the hidden semantic networks in Nigerian urban slang, enhancing our understanding of digital language evolution. The findings will benefit sociolinguists, digital media analysts, and cultural policymakers by providing insights into how hashtags shape public discourse and identity formation (Olu, 2023; Afolabi, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the analysis of hashtag usage in Nigerian urban slang on selected social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms
- Semantic Networks: Interconnected systems of meanings that link words and expressions.
- Urban Slang: Informal language and expressions commonly used by urban youth.
- Hashtag Usage: The practice of employing hashtags as markers to group and contextualize digital content.
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