An Assessment of Digital Language Practices in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of Hashtag Usage on Twitter
- Project Research
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- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Hashtag usage on Twitter has revolutionized digital language practices by condensing complex ideas into concise, impactful expressions. In Nigeria, hashtags function as linguistic tools that encapsulate cultural, political, and social sentiments, driving rapid lexical innovation (Nwachukwu, 2023). This study examines how Nigerian Twitter users employ hashtags to shape online discourse and influence language evolution. Hashtags serve not only as markers for categorizing content but also as vehicles for neologism formation, semantic shift, and syntactic innovation. The brevity of tweets forces users to be creative in their hashtag construction, leading to the emergence of new vocabulary and altered language norms. This research investigates the processes by which hashtags are created, disseminated, and integrated into everyday language, and evaluates their impact on digital communication. By analyzing trending hashtags and user interactions, the study aims to reveal the dynamic interplay between digital technology and language, offering insights into how online language practices reflect and shape cultural identity in Nigeria (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the widespread use of hashtags in Nigerian Twitter discourse, there is limited systematic research on their role in driving digital language practices. The rapid evolution of hashtag usage and its influence on lexical and syntactic change are not well understood, creating a gap in our theoretical and practical understanding of digital communication. This study seeks to address this gap by focusing on hashtag usage as a critical aspect of language innovation, thereby enhancing our comprehension of how digital media fosters new linguistic practices and shapes cultural identity in Nigerian online environments (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
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To analyze hashtag usage in Nigerian Twitter content.
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To identify linguistic innovations driven by hashtags.
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To evaluate the impact on digital language practices.
Research Questions
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How are hashtags used to drive language innovation on Twitter?
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What new lexical or syntactic forms emerge from hashtag usage?
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How do hashtags influence cultural identity in digital discourse?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a focused examination of hashtag usage on Nigerian Twitter, offering insights into digital language practices and the mechanisms of lexical innovation. The findings will inform sociolinguistic models and digital communication strategies, benefiting educators, linguists, and media practitioners (Nwachukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Limited to hashtag usage on Nigerian Twitter.
Definitions of Terms
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Hashtag: A keyword or phrase preceded by “#” used to index topics.
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Digital Language Practices: Innovative linguistic behaviors in online environments.
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Twitter: A social media platform for brief textual communication.
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