An Examination of Online Semantic Shifts in Nigerian Digital Communication: A Case Study of Twitter Hashtags
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Semantic shifts, which involve changes in the meanings of words and expressions, are accelerated in digital environments by dynamic user interactions. On Twitter, hashtags play a pivotal role in driving semantic innovation, serving as markers for evolving cultural and political narratives. In Nigeria, Twitter hashtags are frequently repurposed, leading to rapid shifts in meaning that reflect current events and social movements (Adeola, 2023). These semantic transformations often result from the interplay between textual content and the contextual cues provided by hashtags. As users engage in digital activism, the meanings of common words can shift, and new idiomatic expressions can emerge, thereby reshaping the digital lexicon (Ibrahim, 2024). This study focuses on Twitter hashtags as a catalyst for semantic change in Nigerian digital communication. By analyzing a corpus of trending hashtags and associated tweets, the research aims to identify patterns of semantic shift and to assess the broader implications for language evolution and cultural expression in the digital era (Obi, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although semantic shifts driven by digital communication are well-documented, there is limited research specifically examining how Twitter hashtags contribute to semantic change in Nigeria. Existing studies often generalize digital language evolution without focusing on the mechanisms by which hashtags drive meaning transformation. This lack of targeted analysis impedes our ability to develop robust models of semantic change in online contexts, leaving educators and policymakers without essential data to understand and address these rapid linguistic shifts (Chinwe, 2023). This study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis of semantic shifts in Twitter hashtags among Nigerian users (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
1. To identify and analyze semantic shifts in Nigerian Twitter hashtags.
2. To explore the mechanisms driving these shifts.
3. To assess the broader impact on digital language and cultural expression.
Research questions
1. What semantic changes occur in trending Twitter hashtags?
2. How do these changes reflect broader cultural and political contexts?
3. What implications do these shifts have for language evolution in Nigeria?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it investigates the impact of Twitter hashtags on semantic shifts in Nigerian digital communication, contributing to a deeper understanding of online language evolution. The findings will inform sociolinguistic theory and support language education and policy adaptations to contemporary digital trends (Adeola, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing semantic shifts in Twitter hashtags by Nigerian users, excluding other social media platforms and offline language phenomena.
Definitions of terms
• Semantic Shift: A change in the meaning of a word or expression over time.
• Hashtag: A word or phrase preceded by the "#" symbol used to index topics on social media.
• Digital Lexicon: The vocabulary that emerges from online communication.
Related Project Materials
The effect of continuous assessment on student achievement in STEM subjects in Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State
Background of the Study
Continuous assessment is an educational approach that evaluates student performance through r...
An Evaluation of Big Data Analytics in Health Policy Development in Plateau State
Background of the Study
Big Data Analytics (BDA) has revolutionized various sectors, including healthca...
An Investigation of the Effect of Nutrition Education by Nurses on Maternal Health in Niger State
Background of the Study
Maternal health is a crucial aspect of public health, and nutrition plays a fundamental role in ensuring the well...
The effect of fraud detection technology on minimizing losses in banking: a case study of Fidelity Bank Nigeria
Background of the Study
With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, fraud detection technology has become critical for mi...
The Impact of International Medical Tourism on the Hospitality Sector in Abuja
International medical tourism has grown exponentially in recent years, with patients traveling across borders to access medical care that may be un...
The Impact of Government Accounting on Risk Management in Nigerian PPP Projects: A Case Study of Lagos State Public Works Corporation
Background of the Study
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Nigeria have become increasingly prevalen...
The Effect of Community Sensitization on Lassa Fever Prevention in Kano State
Background of the Study
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa, with Nigeria...
An assessment of the role of school counselors in students’ career development in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State.
Background of the study:
School counselors play an integral role in shaping students’ career paths by offering guidan...
An Evaluation of Rural Community Inclusion in Local Government Decision-Making: The Case of Sokoto South Local Government, Sokoto State
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Rural communities in Nigeria often experie...
Influence of Tax Education on Compliance in Birnin Kebbi LGA
Background of the Study
Tax education is critical for improving tax compliance by providing taxpayers with the necessary kn...
