Hashtag Activism: Examining #RutoMustGo and #RejectFinanceBill in Showcasing Kenyans on X as an Imagined Community of Language Users

Abstract

This paper explores linguistic features used by Kenyans on X by examining the role of hashtags in showcasing Kenyans on X as an imagined community of language users. #RutoMustGo and #RejectFinanceBill were selected for this study. The paper was guided by the objective to examine linguistic features used by Kenyans on X. This paper used multimodality theory to analyze how different modes of communication—such as texts, images, hashtags and emo- jis—interact to create meaning and shape discourse. It showed how Kenyans on X create social identities by expressing themselves through a variety of se- miotic resources. It helped understand how different modes work together to shape and reflect Kenyans on X social identity. This theory helped to unravel how Kenyans on X form a collective identity through language and hashtag usage. Data was elicited from tweets under the two hashtags and analyzed using content analysis method. Purposive sampling technique was used where only tweets that showed how language used by Kenyans on X help in forming an imagined community of language users were selected for this study. Qualitative research design was used for this paper. A total of 47 tweets were used. Findings revealed that Kenyans on X use a variety of linguistic features that showcase them as a community of language users. Hashtags play an important role in activism and uniting Kenyans on X as a community.