An Examination of Semantic Shifts in Nigerian Social Media Trends: A Case Study of Twitter Political Hashtags
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Background of the Study
Semantic shifts, or changes in word meanings, are a prominent feature of language evolution in digital contexts. This study examines how Nigerian Twitter political hashtags contribute to semantic shifts within digital discourse. As political debates and movements gain momentum on social media, hashtags serve as vehicles for reinterpreting established meanings and creating new political vocabularies (Chidinma, 2023). Nigerian users harness the power of hashtags to encapsulate complex political ideas in succinct phrases, often imbuing them with evolving semantic connotations. The interplay between digital activism and language change is particularly evident in the political sphere, where shifting contexts and emerging social realities prompt rapid semantic evolution. By analyzing Twitter political hashtags, the study explores how words and phrases acquire new meanings over time, reflecting broader cultural and political transformations. The research focuses on the mechanisms that drive semantic shifts, including user interaction, media influence, and the negotiation of power within digital communities. Understanding these processes offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between language, politics, and digital media in Nigeria (Umeh, 2024). The study aims to document these shifts and assess their implications for political discourse and identity formation.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the centrality of semantic shifts in digital political discourse, there is limited research on how Twitter political hashtags in Nigeria foster changes in word meanings. The rapid evolution of hashtag meanings complicates the analysis of their impact on political narratives and cultural identity. This gap in understanding limits the ability of scholars and practitioners to grasp the full scope of language change driven by digital activism. The study seeks to address this by focusing on the semantic shifts occurring within Nigerian Twitter political hashtags (Ijeoma, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To document semantic shifts associated with Nigerian Twitter political hashtags.
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To analyze the mechanisms driving these semantic changes.
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To assess the impact of semantic shifts on political discourse and identity formation.
Research Questions
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What semantic shifts are evident in Nigerian Twitter political hashtags?
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How do digital interactions and media influence these semantic changes?
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What impact do these shifts have on political discourse in Nigeria?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a critical examination of semantic shifts in Nigerian political discourse on Twitter. By focusing on political hashtags, the research offers insights into the dynamic interplay between language and digital activism, informing both academic inquiry and practical strategies for political communication (Nwachukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining semantic shifts in Nigerian social media trends through Twitter political hashtags. It does not extend to other digital platforms or non-political contexts.
Definitions of Terms
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Semantic Shifts: Changes in the meaning of words or phrases over time.
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Twitter Political Hashtags: Hashtags used on Twitter to discuss and mobilize political issues.
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Digital Discourse: The language and communication practices that occur in online environments.
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