Background of the Study
Semantic shifts—the evolution of word meanings—are increasingly prominent in Nigerian digital communication, particularly on Twitter. This study compares semantic shifts associated with various Twitter movements, examining how hashtags and trending topics trigger redefinitions of existing words and the creation of new semantic domains (Nwachukwu, 2023). Nigerian Twitter users actively engage in reshaping language to reflect current socio‑political realities, where words take on novel meanings in the context of digital activism and online debates. These shifts are driven by factors such as cultural reinterpretation, political discourse, and viral communication dynamics. The rapid dissemination of tweets accelerates semantic evolution, influencing everyday language and contributing to a dynamic digital lexicon. By comparing different Twitter movements, this study aims to identify patterns in semantic redefinition, analyze the processes underlying these changes, and explore their implications for digital discourse and cultural identity (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the evident role of Twitter movements in driving semantic shifts, there is limited research on the specific processes and impacts of these changes in Nigerian digital communication. The rapid evolution of word meanings in online activism is not well documented, hindering our ability to understand the mechanisms behind semantic reconfiguration. This gap limits the development of theoretical models that accurately capture language change in digital contexts and impedes our comprehension of how digital activism reshapes cultural and social narratives (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To analyze semantic shifts in Nigerian Twitter movements.
To identify mechanisms driving these shifts.
To assess the impact on digital discourse and cultural identity.
Research Questions
What semantic shifts are evident in Twitter movements?
How do these shifts occur?
What are the broader implications for Nigerian online communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of semantic shifts in Nigerian Twitter movements, offering insights into how digital activism influences meaning. The findings will contribute to our understanding of language evolution in online contexts and inform sociolinguistic models of semantic change, benefiting academics and digital media practitioners (Nwachukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms
Semantic Shifts: Changes in word meanings over time.
Twitter Movements: Digital activism and trending topics on Twitter.
Online Discourse: Communication in digital environments.
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