An Examination of Morphological Changes in Nigerian Social Media Discourse: A Case Study of Hashtag Neologisms
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Background of the Study
The rapid growth of social media has transformed language use in Nigeria, with hashtag neologisms emerging as a prominent feature of online discourse. Hashtags serve not only as categorization tools but also as vehicles for creative expression and identity formation. In Nigerian social media, these neologisms encapsulate social movements, cultural trends, and political sentiments, evolving rapidly in response to current events (Nwosu, 2023). This study examines the morphological changes inherent in the creation and propagation of hashtag neologisms, focusing on their formation processes such as compounding, blending, and abbreviation. The research analyzes how users innovate linguistically to generate new lexical items that are contextually and culturally relevant. Furthermore, the study explores the role of these hashtags in shaping digital communication norms and influencing offline social dynamics (Obi, 2024). By employing corpus analysis and qualitative content analysis, the research aims to map the trajectory of morphological change on social media and its implications for language evolution in a digital era (Chidera, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although hashtag neologisms have become ubiquitous in Nigerian social media discourse, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the morphological processes that underpin their formation. Existing studies have primarily focused on their sociopolitical impact without addressing the linguistic innovation involved (Nwosu, 2023). This oversight limits our understanding of how digital communication fosters rapid lexical evolution. Additionally, the transient nature of online language and the variability in hashtag usage across different platforms present challenges for standard linguistic analysis (Obi, 2024). Without a systematic examination of these morphological changes, it is difficult to assess their long-term implications for Nigerian English and broader language practices. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the dynamics of hashtag neologism formation and evolution (Chidera, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To document and analyze the morphological formation of hashtag neologisms on Nigerian social media.
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To evaluate the linguistic processes driving the creation of these new lexical items.
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To assess the impact of hashtag neologisms on broader language trends in Nigerian online discourse.
Research Questions:
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What morphological processes are involved in the formation of hashtag neologisms?
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How do these processes reflect cultural and social influences?
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What implications do hashtag neologisms have for the evolution of Nigerian English?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the cutting edge of linguistic innovation in digital communication by analyzing hashtag neologisms in Nigerian social media. The research contributes to our understanding of morphological change in a rapidly evolving online context and offers insights into the interplay between language, technology, and culture. The findings will inform digital linguistics, social media marketing, and language policy, ensuring that emerging linguistic trends are recognized and understood within broader communication practices (Chidera, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses exclusively on hashtag neologisms in Nigerian social media discourse and does not extend to other forms of online communication or offline language practices. Data are derived from selected social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms:
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Morphological Changes: Alterations in the structure and formation of words.
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Hashtag Neologisms: New lexical items created for and popularized through social media hashtags.
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Social Media Discourse: Informal language used in digital communications on social platforms.
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