Background of the Study
Urban slang in Nigeria is a dynamic reflection of cultural evolution and social interaction, particularly evident on digital platforms like Twitter. This study investigates the morphological productivity of Nigerian urban slang by analyzing the formation of neologisms. Neologisms—newly coined words or expressions—are produced through morphological processes such as compounding, blending, and affixation. In the fast-paced environment of Twitter, users often create innovative linguistic forms that capture current trends, humor, and social commentary (Obiora, 2023). These neologisms not only enrich the language but also serve as markers of urban identity and cultural dynamism. This research will examine a corpus of Twitter posts to document the frequency and types of morphological innovations. It will assess how these neologisms evolve over time and how they contribute to shaping modern urban slang. The study also explores the interplay between traditional linguistic elements and digital creativity, offering insights into the mechanisms behind language change in urban contexts (Obiora, 2023; Afolabi, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the evident creativity in Nigerian urban slang, there is limited systematic research on the morphological productivity that underpins the formation of neologisms on platforms like Twitter. Current studies tend to focus on lexical trends without a detailed analysis of the morphological processes involved. This gap limits our understanding of how new words are formed and normalized in urban discourse, potentially affecting language evolution and cultural identity. Without a comprehensive examination of these processes, it is difficult to appreciate the full impact of digital communication on urban slang. This study seeks to address this gap by analyzing morphological innovation in Twitter-based neologisms (Obiora, 2023; Afolabi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To document morphological processes in the formation of urban neologisms.
To analyze the frequency and types of neologisms on Twitter.
To assess the cultural impact of these innovations.
Research Questions
What morphological processes drive the creation of neologisms in Nigerian urban slang?
How prevalent are these neologisms on Twitter?
What is the cultural significance of these morphological innovations?
Significance of the Study
This study provides essential insights into the morphological productivity of Nigerian urban slang, particularly on Twitter. The findings will benefit linguists, social media analysts, and cultural scholars by highlighting the innovative processes shaping modern language. The research contributes to our understanding of language evolution in digital spaces and informs strategies for preserving linguistic diversity in urban contexts (Obiora, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to the analysis of morphological productivity in Nigerian urban slang as observed on Twitter and does not include other social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms
Morphological Productivity: The capacity of a language to form new words through morphological processes.
Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions.
Urban Slang: Informal language used in metropolitan settings.
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