An Investigation of Morphological Productivity in Nigerian Youth Slang: A Study of Neologisms on Instagram
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Background of the Study
Nigerian youth slang has become an increasingly dynamic domain of linguistic innovation, particularly on social media platforms such as Instagram. In this digital space, young Nigerians are actively engaged in creating neologisms that reflect their cultural identities, social experiences, and rapid technological change. Morphological productivity in this context refers to the ability of language users to generate new words through processes such as affixation, blending, and compounding. Instagram, with its visual and textual immediacy, provides an ideal forum for such linguistic creativity. Research indicates that these neologisms not only enrich the vocabulary of Nigerian youth but also serve as markers of in-group identity and resistance to standardized forms of language (Eze, 2023). The study will explore how these morphological processes are triggered by social trends and digital interactions. It will also examine whether these newly formed lexical items adhere to or diverge from traditional morphological rules and how they influence perceptions of authenticity in youth communication. Moreover, the investigation considers the role of digital feedback—through likes, comments, and shares—in reinforcing or modifying these neologisms (Olu, 2024). By analyzing a corpus of Instagram posts, this research aims to document emergent patterns and assess the broader implications for language evolution in Nigerian English (Balogun, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the vibrant creativity evident in Nigerian youth slang, there is limited empirical research on the morphological productivity that underlies the generation of neologisms on Instagram. Existing studies tend to focus on standard language rather than capturing the innovative word formation processes among young Nigerians (Eze, 2023). This research gap restricts our understanding of how digital communication platforms drive linguistic change. Additionally, the transient nature of social media language raises concerns about the long-term stability and acceptance of these neologisms, potentially affecting language standardization and educational outcomes (Olu, 2024). This study seeks to address these issues by providing a systematic investigation into the morphological processes at work in Nigerian youth slang, offering insights that could inform both linguistic theory and language policy (Balogun, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To document and analyze the morphological processes generating neologisms in Nigerian youth slang on Instagram.
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To assess the influence of digital interaction on the evolution and propagation of these new words.
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To evaluate the implications of morphological innovation for language standardization and cultural identity.
Research Questions:
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What morphological processes are most commonly employed in the formation of neologisms on Instagram?
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How does digital feedback influence the evolution and acceptance of these new lexical items?
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What impact do these innovations have on perceptions of language standardization among Nigerian youth?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it illuminates the morphological creativity inherent in Nigerian youth slang, particularly within the digital realm of Instagram. By dissecting the processes behind neologism formation, the research provides valuable insights into contemporary language evolution and cultural expression. The findings will inform educators, linguists, and policymakers on how digital media fosters linguistic innovation, thereby supporting more effective language teaching and preservation of cultural identity (Balogun, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to analyzing neologisms in Nigerian youth slang as observed on Instagram. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline slang practices.
Definitions of Terms:
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Morphological Productivity: The ability of language users to create new words using linguistic processes.
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Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions that emerge in a language.
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Instagram: A social media platform used for sharing images and short texts, influential in digital communication.
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