An Evaluation of Hashtag Based Linguistic Change in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Study of Twitter Trends
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Background of the Study
Hashtag‑based language has become a prominent feature of Nigerian social media, driving significant linguistic change. On Twitter, trending hashtags encapsulate evolving expressions that often result in the creation of new linguistic forms. These hashtags serve as vehicles for lexical innovation, syntactic adaptation, and semantic shift, reflecting rapid cultural and social transformations. This study evaluates the linguistic changes associated with hashtag usage by comparing various Twitter trends. It examines how digital constraints and the immediacy of social media communication foster non‑standard language practices, leading to the emergence of hybrid forms that merge traditional vocabulary with digital innovation (Adeniyi, 2023). By analyzing a corpus of popular hashtags, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms of hashtag‑based linguistic change and assess its broader impact on Nigerian digital discourse (Okoro, 2024). The study integrates theories of digital semiotics and language evolution to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media influences language norms.
Statement of the Problem
Although hashtag‑based linguistic change is evident in Nigerian Twitter trends, there is limited comparative research that systematically examines its effects on language. Most existing studies focus on isolated aspects of lexical or syntactic innovation without considering the integrated impact of hashtag usage on overall language change. This gap limits our understanding of the mechanisms driving digital linguistic transformation. The study seeks to address this deficiency by comparing linguistic features across different hashtag trends, thereby revealing the dynamics of hashtag‑based language innovation in Nigerian social media (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To analyze linguistic changes in hashtag usage on Twitter.
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To compare language innovations across different hashtag trends.
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To develop a model of digital linguistic change driven by hashtags.
Research Questions:
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What linguistic changes are associated with hashtag usage?
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How do different hashtag trends compare in their impact on language?
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What mechanisms drive hashtag‑based linguistic change?
Significance of the Study
This study enhances our understanding of how digital communication, through hashtag campaigns, reshapes language in Nigeria. Its findings are crucial for linguists and digital media scholars interested in the evolution of online discourse (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Twitter trends; may not reflect changes on other platforms.
Definitions of Terms:
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Hashtag‑Based Linguistic Change: Language transformation driven by the use of hashtags.
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Twitter Trends: Popular topics and expressions circulating on Twitter.
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Digital Semiotics: The study of signs and symbols in digital media.
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