The Effect of Digital Communication on Nigerian Semantic Networks: A Comparative Analysis of Facebook and Twitter
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Digital communication reshapes not only how information is exchanged but also how meaning is constructed. In Nigeria, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter serve as important venues for the evolution of semantic networks—the interconnected systems of word meanings. On Facebook, extended posts and discussions facilitate gradual semantic shifts through contextual elaboration, while Twitter’s brevity and immediacy foster rapid, often innovative, reinterpretations of common terms. This study compares the effect of digital communication on Nigerian semantic networks by analyzing user-generated content on both platforms. It examines how differences in platform design and interaction style influence the evolution of word meanings, metaphorical extensions, and the development of new semantic fields. The research integrates theories from semantics and digital discourse to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technological affordances and cultural contexts drive semantic change in Nigerian online environments (Ibrahim, 2023; Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although digital communication has been shown to influence semantic change, there is limited comparative research on how platforms like Facebook and Twitter shape semantic networks in Nigeria. Existing studies tend to treat semantic shifts as isolated phenomena rather than examining the interconnected nature of meaning in digital discourse. This gap restricts our ability to understand how platform-specific features and user interactions contribute to the evolution of semantic networks. The study aims to address this by comparing semantic changes on Facebook and Twitter, providing insights into the digital mechanisms that drive language evolution (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
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To compare semantic networks on Facebook and Twitter.
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To identify digital factors influencing semantic change.
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To develop a model of semantic evolution in Nigerian digital discourse.
Research Questions:
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How do semantic networks differ between Facebook and Twitter?
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What digital affordances drive semantic change?
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How do cultural factors influence semantic evolution?
Significance of the Study
This study contributes to our understanding of semantic change in digital environments by comparing Facebook and Twitter. Its findings are valuable for linguists and digital media researchers interested in the dynamics of meaning formation in online communication (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian Facebook and Twitter content.
Definitions of Terms:
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Semantic Networks: Interconnected systems of word meanings.
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Digital Communication: Exchange of information via electronic platforms.
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Semantic Change: The evolution of word meanings over time.
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