Background of the study
Derivational morphology, which involves the creation of new words through the addition of affixes, is a dynamic aspect of the Hausa language. In the bustling markets of Kano, traders employ creative derivational strategies to meet communicative demands and to express evolving commercial and cultural realities. This study investigates the derivational patterns evident in the everyday language of market traders. The fluid nature of market communication encourages innovation, where traditional derivational rules are adapted to produce new terminologies and expressions (Aminu, 2023). Observations indicate that market traders often coin new words by applying affixes in novel ways to convey nuanced meanings related to trade, negotiation, and cultural identity (Bello, 2024). Furthermore, the interplay between Hausa and other regional languages in the market context fosters additional derivational variations. The study employs ethnographic observations, interviews, and linguistic analysis to document these patterns and to assess their impact on the evolution of Hausa vocabulary. This research aims to provide insights into the adaptive strategies of language users in commercial settings and to contribute to broader theories of derivational morphology in multilingual environments (Sani, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the evident use of derivational morphology among market traders in Kano, there is a dearth of systematic research on the patterns and implications of these practices. Informal language innovations in market settings are underdocumented, making it difficult to ascertain how derivational processes contribute to vocabulary expansion in Hausa (Aminu, 2023). This lack of empirical data poses challenges for linguists and educators interested in understanding the adaptive mechanisms of language under economic and social pressures. The influence of interlanguage contact in the market environment further complicates the analysis, leading to ambiguities in categorizing derivational patterns (Bello, 2024). Addressing these gaps is essential for developing a comprehensive view of Hausa morphological evolution and for informing language policy in commercial and educational contexts (Sani, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To document derivational patterns among Hausa market traders in Kano.
To analyze the role of affixation in creating new lexical items.
To evaluate the influence of interlanguage contact on derivational processes.
Research questions:
What derivational strategies are employed by market traders in Kano?
How do traders use affixation to generate new words?
What impact does interlanguage contact have on Hausa derivational patterns?
Research Hypotheses:
Derivational morphology is significantly utilized in the lexicon of Hausa market traders.
Innovative affixation patterns are more prevalent in market speech than in formal registers.
Interlanguage contact facilitates the evolution of derivational practices in Hausa.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it explores the adaptive use of derivational morphology in commercial settings, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Hausa. The findings will aid linguists and educators in understanding language innovation under socio-economic influences (Aminu, 2023; Sani, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining derivational patterns in Hausa among market traders in Kano. It focuses solely on morphological processes without extending to other linguistic features.
Definitions of terms:
Derivational Morphology: The process of creating new words by adding affixes.
Market Traders: Individuals engaged in commercial activities in informal settings.
Hausa: A Chadic language spoken widely in Northern Nigeria.
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