An Evaluation of Hashtag‑Based Linguistic Change in Nigerian Online Communication: A Case Study of Twitter Trends
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Hashtag‑based linguistic change has become a defining feature of digital discourse, particularly on Twitter. In Nigeria, users create and propagate hashtags that not only categorize content but also initiate semantic and syntactic transformations. This phenomenon is driven by the need to encapsulate complex socio‑political ideas in concise, memorable terms (Nwachukwu, 2023). Hashtag trends encourage rapid lexical innovation as users modify existing words and coin new expressions to reflect current events, cultural shifts, and digital activism. The viral nature of Twitter facilitates the widespread dissemination of these changes, leading to observable impacts on language structure and usage. This study examines the mechanisms underlying hashtag‑based linguistic change, focusing on the processes of semantic shift, syntactic reconfiguration, and the emergence of neologisms. By analyzing trending hashtags and their evolution over time, the research aims to provide insights into the transformative power of digital communication on language and the implications for sociolinguistic identity in Nigeria (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although hashtag‑based linguistic change is widely observed on Nigerian Twitter, there is limited systematic research on the processes driving these changes. The rapid evolution of hashtags and their incorporation into everyday language is not well documented, hindering our understanding of digital language innovation. Current studies often overlook the specific mechanisms by which hashtags induce semantic and syntactic modifications, leaving a gap in the theoretical models of online language change. This study aims to address this gap by focusing on hashtag trends as a case study for linguistic transformation, thereby elucidating the impact of digital activism on language (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To analyze semantic and syntactic changes in trending hashtags.
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To identify mechanisms driving hashtag‑based linguistic innovation.
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To evaluate the impact on Nigerian online communication.
Research Questions
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What linguistic changes occur through hashtag trends?
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How do hashtags drive semantic and syntactic shifts?
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What is the broader impact on digital discourse in Nigeria?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a focused examination of hashtag‑based linguistic change on Twitter, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of digital language innovation. The findings will contribute to sociolinguistic theory and digital communication studies, informing strategies for engaging with evolving language practices in online contexts (Nwachukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
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Hashtag‑Based Linguistic Change: Language transformation induced by the use of hashtags.
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Twitter Trends: Popular hashtags and topics circulating on Twitter.
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Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions.
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