An Investigation of Semantic Shifts in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Study of Twitter Hashtags
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Background of the study
Semantic shifts—changes in the meaning of words or expressions—are rapidly occurring in digital communication. Twitter hashtags, in particular, serve as catalysts for semantic evolution in Nigerian online discourse. Political and cultural hashtags are frequently repurposed by users, leading to shifts in meaning that reflect current events and social dynamics (Adeola, 2023). As these hashtags spread virally, they create new semantic associations and redefine conventional lexicons. This study compares semantic shifts across different Twitter hashtags used in Nigeria, analyzing how context, user engagement, and digital activism contribute to meaning change. The research aims to map the evolution of semantic networks and examine the underlying mechanisms driving these transformations (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025). Understanding these processes is crucial for developing comprehensive models of digital language evolution.
Statement of the problem
Although semantic shifts in digital language are widely acknowledged, there is limited comparative research on how Twitter hashtags specifically drive these changes in Nigeria. Existing studies often overlook the detailed mechanisms by which hashtags recontextualize word meanings, hindering our ability to model digital semantic evolution. This gap limits educators and policymakers who require a nuanced understanding of online meaning change to adapt language teaching and communication strategies effectively (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To identify semantic shifts induced by Twitter hashtags.
• To analyze the mechanisms behind meaning change.
• To develop models for digital semantic evolution.
Research questions
• What semantic shifts occur in Nigerian Twitter hashtags?
• How do contextual factors influence these shifts?
• What are the implications for the digital lexicon?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it investigates semantic shifts in Nigerian social media via Twitter hashtags, contributing to our understanding of digital meaning evolution. The findings will enhance theoretical models and inform language education and policy development (Adeola, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Twitter hashtags used by Nigerian users; other platforms and offline contexts are not examined.
Definitions of terms
• Semantic Shift: A change in the meaning of a word or phrase.
• Hashtag: A term preceded by "#" used for indexing content.
• Digital Lexicon: Vocabulary that emerges from online discourse.
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