An Investigation of Hashtag Based Language Change in Nigerian Online Communication: A Case Study of Twitter Trends
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Background of the study
Hashtag‑based language change is emerging as a significant factor in digital communication, particularly on Twitter. In Nigeria, hashtags are not only used for categorization but also to instigate and disseminate new linguistic forms. This study examines how hashtag trends on Twitter contribute to language change by fostering innovative uses of vocabulary, syntax, and discourse patterns (Okafor, 2023). Nigerian users often incorporate hashtags into their tweets to express opinions, mobilize communities, or participate in social movements. Over time, these hashtags evolve into linguistic units that carry specific semantic and pragmatic functions. The interplay between popular culture, political engagement, and digital communication drives this process, resulting in a dynamic environment where language is continuously redefined (Ibrahim, 2024). By analyzing a representative sample of hashtag trends, the study aims to identify the mechanisms behind hashtag‑based language change and assess its impact on conventional linguistic structures. The findings will contribute to the growing field of digital linguistics and offer insights into how social media influences language evolution in contemporary Nigerian society (Adebayo, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Despite the prominence of hashtags in shaping online language, there is limited empirical research on their role in driving language change in Nigeria. Most studies focus on the social or political impact of hashtags, overlooking their linguistic contributions (Chukwu, 2023). This gap in research leaves the processes by which hashtags generate new linguistic forms insufficiently understood. Without systematic analysis, the impact of hashtag‑based language change on traditional linguistic norms remains ambiguous, impeding the development of comprehensive theoretical models in digital linguistics (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To examine language change driven by hashtag trends on Nigerian Twitter.
- To identify the mechanisms through which hashtags contribute to linguistic innovation.
- To evaluate the impact of these changes on traditional language structures.
Research questions
- How do hashtag trends drive language change in Nigerian Twitter discourse?
- What linguistic mechanisms are involved in the evolution of hashtags into new forms?
- What are the effects of these changes on conventional language norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it investigates the role of hashtags in driving language change in Nigerian digital communication. The findings will inform linguists and digital media scholars about the transformative power of hashtags, offering a new perspective on language evolution in the digital age (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on hashtag‑based language change on Nigerian Twitter. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline language practices, ensuring a targeted analysis of the specified phenomenon.
Definitions of terms
- Hashtag‑Based Language Change: The process by which hashtags contribute to new linguistic forms.
- Twitter Trends: Popular topics or hashtags on Twitter that gain widespread attention.
- Linguistic Innovation: The creation of new language forms or usages.
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