Background of the study
Nigerian print media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and cultural narratives, with Hausa language newspapers standing as prominent examples in the northern region. Hausa, known for its rich morphological structures, presents unique linguistic features such as affixation, reduplication, and compounding. This study examines how these morphological elements are employed in newspapers to construct meaning and convey social and political messages (Bello, 2023). By comparing articles across various newspapers, the research seeks to identify patterns in morphological usage and evaluate the extent to which these structures reflect traditional linguistic norms or evolve in response to modern communication needs. Newspapers serve as both a mirror and a medium for language transformation, where morphological simplifications or innovations may occur due to editorial practices and audience preferences. This comparative approach not only highlights the dynamic interplay between language structure and media practices but also addresses the potential impact on literacy and cultural preservation. Emerging studies suggest that morphological adaptations in print media influence readers’ perception of language complexity and authenticity (Sani, 2024; Muhammad, 2025). Hence, this evaluation is critical for understanding how Hausa morphology adapts in an environment marked by rapid sociolinguistic changes and technological advancements.
Statement of the problem
Despite the widespread use of Hausa in Nigerian print media, there is a dearth of systematic research on the morphological structures employed in newspapers. This gap is problematic because the transformation of traditional morphological forms due to editorial constraints and audience demands may lead to a loss of linguistic richness. Furthermore, differences in morphological usage across various publications can result in inconsistencies in language standardization, potentially affecting reader comprehension and cultural transmission (Bello, 2023). The problem is compounded by the lack of comparative studies that examine these structures across multiple newspapers, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of how print media shapes the evolution of Hausa morphology (Sani, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
1. To analyze morphological structures used in Hausa newspapers.
2. To compare these structures across different publications.
3. To assess the impact of morphological variation on language perception.
Research questions:
1. What morphological features are predominant in Hausa print media?
2. How do these features vary between newspapers?
3. What is the effect of these variations on reader understanding?
Significance of the study
The study’s significance lies in its focus on the interplay between traditional Hausa morphology and modern print media practices. By revealing how newspapers adapt and sometimes alter morphological structures, the research provides insights that are critical for linguists, educators, and media professionals. The findings may guide language policy, improve literacy initiatives, and help preserve linguistic heritage while promoting effective communication in print (Muhammad, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study focuses exclusively on the morphological structures in Hausa newspapers. It does not extend to other media or languages, nor does it consider oral language dynamics.
Definitions of terms:
1. Morphology: The study of the structure and formation of words.
2. Newspapers: Printed media disseminating news and information.
3. Hausa: A Chadic language spoken widely in northern Nigeria.
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