Background of the Study
Semantic trends in digital communication reflect the evolving meanings of words and expressions in response to social, cultural, and political influences. In Nigeria, Twitter movements—often marked by the use of trending hashtags and rapid information exchange—play a pivotal role in shaping semantic change. This study assesses how political and social movements on Twitter influence the evolution of meaning, leading to the emergence of new semantic fields. Users actively reinterpret common expressions and coin new terms as part of their engagement in digital activism (Ibrahim, 2023). By comparing semantic trends across different Twitter movements, the research explores how digital discourse fosters meaning transformation and contributes to a dynamic, evolving lexicon. The study situates these semantic innovations within broader sociolinguistic theories, highlighting the interplay between online interaction, cultural identity, and language change (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although Nigerian Twitter movements have visibly altered the meanings of words, there is limited empirical research that systematically analyzes these semantic shifts. Existing studies tend to focus on the political aspects of online activism, without adequately examining the linguistic transformations involved. This gap restricts our understanding of how digital engagement drives semantic innovation. The current study seeks to address this by conducting a comparative analysis of semantic trends across various Twitter movements, thereby providing insights into the mechanisms underlying digital semantic change (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze semantic shifts in Nigerian Twitter movements.
To compare semantic trends across different social movements.
To develop a model of digital semantic evolution.
Research Questions:
What semantic changes occur during Twitter movements?
How do these changes vary across different movements?
What factors drive digital semantic innovation?
Significance of the Study
This study offers crucial insights into the mechanisms of semantic change in digital activism. Its findings are significant for linguists, political analysts, and media scholars interested in the interplay between online engagement and language evolution (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Twitter movements.
Definitions of Terms:
Semantic Trends: Changes in word meanings over time.
Twitter Movements: Coordinated social or political campaigns on Twitter.
Digital Discourse: Communication in online environments.
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