Background of the Study
Hashtag activism has emerged as a potent tool for social and political mobilization, particularly on Twitter. In Nigeria, hashtag movements have not only influenced public opinion but also reshaped pragmatic markers in online communication. This study examines how hashtag activism contributes to changes in language use, specifically the pragmatic elements that indicate speaker intent, politeness, and social positioning (Adenuga, 2023). The rapid spread of hashtag campaigns highlights the role of digital rhetoric in constructing collective identities and facilitating social change. As activists employ specific hashtags to draw attention to issues, the pragmatic markers embedded within these hashtags signal solidarity, urgency, and dissent. The study explores the intricate relationship between digital activism and pragmatic language use, revealing how online mobilization influences conversational norms and politeness strategies (Okoro, 2024). By focusing on Twitter movements, the research provides insights into how pragmatic markers are repurposed in digital protest and social commentary, contributing to an evolving understanding of digital pragmatics in the Nigerian context (Chukwu, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
While hashtag activism is recognized for its social impact, its role in altering pragmatic markers in digital discourse remains underexplored. There is a lack of systematic research examining how activists utilize hashtags to modify language practices, thereby influencing conversational norms and politeness strategies. Existing studies have primarily focused on the political and social dimensions of hashtag activism, neglecting its linguistic impact. This study seeks to fill this gap by analyzing the pragmatic markers present in Twitter movements, thereby providing a detailed account of how digital activism reconfigures online communication. Without this analysis, our understanding of the interplay between language and digital protest remains incomplete (Umeh, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze the pragmatic markers used in hashtag activism on Twitter.
To examine the influence of hashtag campaigns on language use.
To assess the broader implications of digital activism on pragmatic practices.
Research Questions:
What pragmatic markers are associated with hashtag activism on Twitter?
How do hashtag movements influence conversational norms?
What are the broader linguistic implications of digital activism?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it bridges the gap between digital activism and linguistic pragmatics. Its findings offer valuable insights into how social movements influence language use and communication strategies online. The research informs both academic and practical approaches to understanding digital discourse, making it relevant for sociolinguists, activists, and media practitioners (Adenuga, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms:
Hashtag Activism: The use of hashtags to promote social or political causes.
Pragmatic Markers: Linguistic elements that convey speaker intent and social nuances.
Digital Activism: The use of digital platforms for social and political mobilization.
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