A Study on the Effect of Social Media Narratives on Nigerian Semantic Shifts: A Case Study of Viral Memes
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Background of the Study
Social media platforms have become fertile ground for rapid language change, and viral memes are at the forefront of this transformation in Nigeria. Memes encapsulate cultural and social commentary in succinct, often humorous, formats that facilitate semantic shifts—where words and expressions acquire new meanings over time (Olu, 2023). This study examines how social media narratives embedded in viral memes contribute to semantic change in Nigerian discourse. Memes often rely on intertextual references, irony, and creative wordplay that challenge conventional meanings and spur innovative language use. By collecting a corpus of popular memes and analyzing their language components, the research seeks to map the evolving semantic networks. The study also explores how user interactions and meme virality influence the propagation of these semantic shifts, contributing to a dynamic, crowd-sourced lexicon that reflects contemporary societal attitudes (Chinonso, 2024). Findings are expected to illuminate the processes by which digital communication fosters semantic flexibility and cultural identity formation in Nigeria (Afolabi, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the prominence of viral memes in shaping online discourse, research on their role in driving semantic shifts in Nigeria is scarce. Existing studies often address meme aesthetics or virality without a detailed focus on the linguistic implications of semantic change (Olu, 2023). This gap limits our understanding of how digital narratives influence the evolution of meaning and contribute to cultural dialogue. Without systematic analysis, the mechanisms by which memes transform language remain unclear. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining semantic shifts in viral Nigerian memes and evaluating their broader impact on digital discourse (Chinonso, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
- To analyze semantic changes in viral Nigerian memes.
- To document how social media narratives facilitate meaning transformation.
- To assess the cultural impact of these semantic shifts.
Research Questions
- What semantic shifts are evident in viral Nigerian memes?
- How do social media narratives drive these changes?
- What is the cultural significance of the emerging meanings?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the digital mechanisms behind semantic shifts in Nigerian online discourse, offering valuable insights for linguists, cultural analysts, and media practitioners. Understanding how memes drive semantic change can inform theories of language evolution and digital communication (Olu, 2023; Afolabi, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing semantic shifts in viral memes on Nigerian social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms
- Semantic Shifts: Changes in the meaning of words or expressions.
- Viral Memes: Widely shared digital images or videos with embedded text.
- Social Media Narratives: Storytelling elements conveyed through digital platforms.
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