An investigation of morphological innovations in Nigerian Pidgin among urban youths
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Background of the study
Nigerian Pidgin, a vibrant lingua franca, is continually evolving under the influence of urban youth culture. This study investigates morphological innovations—new word-formation processes and adaptations—that have emerged among urban youths. Nigerian Pidgin is known for its flexibility and creative reanalysis of linguistic forms, often incorporating novel affixation, reduplication, and compounding strategies. Urban youths, immersed in a dynamic socio-cultural environment, contribute significantly to these innovations as they blend traditional structures with global linguistic influences (Ibrahim, 2023). Modern technology, social media, and urban migration are catalysts for these morphological shifts, leading to the creation of new lexical items that resonate with contemporary realities (Okeke, 2024). This research will employ ethnographic methods and corpus analysis to document the emerging morphological patterns and explore their semantic and pragmatic functions. The study seeks to determine whether these innovations represent a transient trend or signal a more permanent transformation of Nigerian Pidgin morphology. By analyzing the interplay between standard forms and innovative usage, the research aims to contribute to theoretical discussions on creole development and language change in urban settings (Eze, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although Nigerian Pidgin is recognized for its dynamic evolution, there is limited systematic research on the morphological innovations driven by urban youth. Preliminary evidence suggests that new morphological forms are emerging, yet the extent and permanence of these changes remain unclear (Ibrahim, 2023). The lack of detailed analysis on the nature and drivers of these innovations hampers our understanding of how urban socio-cultural forces reshape language structure. Without comprehensive documentation, educators and policymakers may overlook opportunities to support the organic evolution of Nigerian Pidgin while preserving its core identity (Okeke, 2024). This study seeks to fill this gap by providing empirical data on the morphological creativity among urban youths and its broader linguistic implications (Eze, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To identify and document morphological innovations in Nigerian Pidgin.
To analyze the structural and semantic features of these innovations.
To assess the socio-cultural factors driving morphological change.
Research questions:
What new morphological forms are emerging in Nigerian Pidgin among urban youths?
How do these innovations differ from traditional forms?
What role do socio-cultural influences play in their development?
Research Hypotheses:
Urban youths significantly contribute to morphological innovation in Nigerian Pidgin.
Innovative forms exhibit distinct structural and semantic properties compared to traditional usage.
Social media and urban lifestyle are major drivers of these morphological changes.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it sheds light on the morphological evolution of Nigerian Pidgin, offering insights into language change in urban contexts. Its findings will benefit linguists, educators, and cultural analysts by highlighting the creative role of urban youths in language innovation (Ibrahim, 2023; Eze, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining morphological innovations in Nigerian Pidgin among urban youths. It focuses on word-formation processes and does not address broader syntactic or pragmatic aspects.
Definitions of terms:
Morphological Innovations: New word-formation processes and adaptations in a language.
Nigerian Pidgin: A creole language widely spoken in Nigeria.
Urban Youths: Young individuals residing in urban areas actively influencing language change.
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