An Assessment of WhatsApp Chat Language on Nigerian Semantic Shifts: A Comparative Study of University Groups
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Background of the study
WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool among Nigerian university students, facilitating both academic and social interactions. The informal, rapid exchange of messages on WhatsApp has contributed to observable semantic shifts within student groups, where words and phrases acquire new meanings in response to contextual demands (Ibrahim, 2023). These shifts often reflect broader cultural trends and the adaptive nature of language in digital spaces (Okafor, 2024). In university settings, WhatsApp chat language serves as a microcosm for studying the evolution of semantics as students navigate academic pressures, social identities, and technological influences. The dynamic nature of digital conversations fosters a creative linguistic environment where conventional meanings are regularly challenged and reinterpreted (Nwankwo, 2023). Comparative analysis across various university groups reveals both convergence and divergence in semantic practices, highlighting the impact of local cultures, academic disciplines, and peer interactions. This study situates itself within the framework of digital semantics and sociolinguistic innovation, aiming to capture how everyday communication in WhatsApp groups drives semantic change. The investigation not only documents these shifts but also explores the factors that sustain or disrupt them, thereby contributing to a nuanced understanding of language evolution in academic digital communication (Chukwu, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Despite the widespread use of WhatsApp among Nigerian university students, there is insufficient research on how this mode of communication influences semantic shifts within academic groups. Preliminary studies have noted semantic innovations, yet they often overlook the comparative differences across various university settings (Obi, 2023). This research gap hinders the comprehensive understanding of how digital chat language affects meaning-making processes and communication efficacy among students (Eze, 2023). Furthermore, the absence of systematic studies in this area limits the ability to address potential challenges in language standardization and academic communication. Without a targeted examination of WhatsApp-driven semantic shifts, educators and policymakers may lack the necessary insights to support effective digital literacy and academic engagement (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze semantic shifts in WhatsApp chat language among Nigerian university groups.
- To compare semantic changes across different academic settings.
- To investigate the factors driving these semantic shifts in digital communication.
Research questions
- What semantic shifts are evident in WhatsApp chat language among Nigerian university students?
- How do these semantic shifts differ across various university groups?
- What factors contribute to the evolution of semantic meanings in digital academic communication?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers insights into the semantic evolution of language within Nigerian university WhatsApp groups. By examining semantic shifts, the research will assist educators and communication experts in understanding and addressing the challenges of digital language change in academic settings (Obi, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing WhatsApp chat language within Nigerian university groups, focusing solely on semantic shifts. It excludes other forms of digital communication and non-academic settings to maintain a focused analysis.
Definitions of terms
- Semantic Shifts: Changes in word meanings over time.
- WhatsApp Chat Language: Informal language used in WhatsApp communications.
- Digital Communication: The exchange of information via electronic devices.
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