An Investigation of Semantic Shifts in Nigerian Digital Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Instagram and Twitter
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Background of the study
Semantic shifts in language occur as meanings evolve over time, and digital media has accelerated this process. In Nigeria, Instagram and Twitter are pivotal platforms where users continually negotiate meaning through evolving language practices (Ibrahim, 2023). Instagram, with its emphasis on visual content, often features captions and comments that repurpose traditional words to align with contemporary cultural trends. Twitter, known for its brevity, fosters rapid semantic shifts as users condense complex ideas into short, impactful messages (Okafor, 2024). This study investigates how semantic shifts manifest on these platforms by comparing language use on Instagram and Twitter. It examines the role of cultural context, audience engagement, and digital affordances in driving changes in word meanings. The research documents examples of semantic evolution, exploring how traditional lexicons are reshaped by modern digital interaction. Through this analysis, the study seeks to understand the mechanisms behind meaning change and its broader implications for Nigerian communication practices (Adebayo, 2023). This inquiry not only illuminates current trends in semantic adaptation but also contributes to the theoretical understanding of language evolution in digital contexts.
Statement of the problem
Although semantic shifts are evident in Nigerian digital communication, there is limited comparative research examining these changes on Instagram and Twitter. Existing studies often focus on isolated instances of meaning change without addressing the platform-specific factors that influence semantic evolution (Chukwu, 2023). This gap restricts our understanding of how different digital environments foster distinct semantic shifts. Without systematic analysis, the impact of these changes on traditional language and communication remains unclear, hindering the development of comprehensive models of digital semantic evolution (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze semantic shifts in Nigerian digital communication on Instagram and Twitter.
- To compare the factors influencing meaning change across these platforms.
- To assess the implications of these semantic shifts for traditional language usage.
Research questions
- What are the predominant semantic shifts observed on Instagram and Twitter in Nigeria?
- How do platform-specific factors influence these meaning changes?
- What impact do these semantic shifts have on conventional language norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of semantic shifts in Nigerian digital communication on Instagram and Twitter. The findings will enhance our understanding of how digital media drives meaning evolution and inform language policy, educational strategies, and further research in digital linguistics (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses solely on semantic shifts in Nigerian digital communication on Instagram and Twitter. It excludes other social media platforms and offline language practices to maintain a focused examination.
Definitions of terms
- Semantic Shifts: Changes in the meanings of words over time.
- Digital Communication: Interaction through online platforms.
- Lexical Evolution: The process of word meaning change.
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