An Investigation of Hashtag Based Linguistic Change in Nigerian Digital Communication: A Case Study of Twitter Movements
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Background of the study
Hashtag based linguistic change is a growing phenomenon in Nigerian digital communication, particularly on Twitter. Hashtags, initially used for categorization, have evolved into vehicles for linguistic innovation. Within Twitter movements, users repurpose hashtags to form new expressions, challenge established language norms, and create collective identities (Adeniyi, 2023). These digital artifacts often encapsulate socio-political messages while simultaneously influencing lexical and grammatical patterns. This study investigates the role of hashtag based expressions in driving linguistic change by examining selected Twitter movements. By analyzing the evolution of hashtags over time, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms through which these digital symbols reshape language, introduce neologisms, and impact everyday communication. The study also considers how cultural and political factors interact with digital trends to foster a dynamic linguistic environment (Chinwe, 2024). Ultimately, the findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between digital activism and language innovation, offering a new perspective on how online movements influence linguistic practices in Nigeria (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the proliferation of hashtag based expressions in Nigerian Twitter movements, research on their linguistic impact remains scarce. Existing studies often address the role of hashtags in social mobilization without exploring their influence on language change. This oversight limits our understanding of how digital activism drives lexical innovation and grammatical shifts. The rapid evolution of hashtag language poses challenges for traditional linguistic frameworks, leaving educators and policymakers without effective models to interpret these changes (Ibrahim, 2023). This study seeks to fill this gap by providing a focused analysis of hashtag based linguistic change, examining the processes that underlie neologism formation and syntactic adaptation in digital discourse.
Objectives of the study
1. To investigate the formation of hashtag based linguistic changes in Twitter movements.
2. To analyze the impact of these changes on lexical and syntactic structures.
3. To develop theoretical insights into digital language innovation.
Research questions
1. How do hashtag based expressions evolve in Nigerian Twitter movements?
2. What linguistic changes are associated with these hashtags?
3. How do these changes influence overall digital communication?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores hashtag based linguistic change in Nigerian digital discourse, offering insights into the interplay between digital activism and language innovation. The findings will contribute to sociolinguistic theory and provide practical implications for educators and media analysts in adapting to rapidly evolving language trends (Afolabi, 2023; Obi, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing hashtag based language in Nigerian Twitter movements, excluding other platforms and non activist contexts.
Definitions of terms
• Hashtag Based Linguistic Change: The evolution of language influenced by the creative use of hashtags.
• Digital Activism: The use of digital platforms for social or political mobilization.
• Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
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