Background of the study
Semantic networks, representing the interconnections between words and meanings, are increasingly redefined by digital communication. In Nigeria, Facebook and Twitter serve as major platforms where semantic relationships are actively constructed and transformed. Facebook, with its extended posts and interactive comment sections, supports nuanced discourse that allows users to elaborate on meanings and create complex semantic associations. Conversely, Twitter’s character limitations compel users to distill ideas into concise phrases, often resulting in rapid semantic shifts and the emergence of trending expressions (Okeke, 2023). Nigerian users exploit these platform-specific features to reconfigure language, blend cultural idioms, and generate new meanings that resonate across diverse audiences. This comparative study examines how digital communication on Facebook and Twitter influences semantic networks by analyzing user-generated content, trending topics, and the interplay between text and context. The research seeks to uncover patterns of semantic change, explore the role of digital culture in shaping meaning, and assess the broader impact on linguistic evolution in Nigeria (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although semantic shifts in digital communication are evident on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, research comparing their effects on semantic networks in Nigeria is limited. Most studies focus on isolated semantic phenomena or one platform at a time, neglecting the comparative dynamics of meaning construction across different digital environments. This gap restricts our understanding of how platform-specific constraints and user practices influence semantic evolution. Therefore, there is a need for a comparative analysis of semantic networks on Facebook and Twitter to elucidate the mechanisms behind digital semantic change (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant because it provides a comparative analysis of how Facebook and Twitter reshape semantic networks in Nigerian digital discourse. By uncovering the mechanisms of meaning construction, the research enhances our understanding of digital language evolution and offers insights applicable to linguistic theory, media studies, and communication strategies (Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses on text-based semantic analysis of Facebook posts and Twitter threads in Nigerian digital discourse, excluding other platforms and multimedia influences.
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