Background of the Study
Urban slang in Nigeria is a dynamic and evolving linguistic phenomenon, particularly in the context of social media. Morphological productivity, the ability to create new words and expressions, is a key feature of this slang. Nigerian urban slang often exhibits creative processes such as affixation, blending, and compounding, resulting in neologisms that reflect the vibrant social and cultural milieu (Babatunde, 2023). Social media platforms provide fertile ground for these innovations, as users continuously generate and share new terms that capture contemporary experiences. This study investigates the morphological productivity of urban slang by analyzing neologisms on popular social media sites. It explores the linguistic mechanisms behind word formation and examines how these new expressions contribute to identity, group cohesion, and social commentary. The research also considers the influence of globalization and digital culture on the evolution of urban slang in Nigeria (Adesola, 2024; Okafor, 2025). Through systematic analysis, the study aims to document and explain the processes that underlie the creation of neologisms, shedding light on the interplay between language, technology, and urban culture.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rapid emergence of neologisms in Nigerian urban slang, there is limited research on the morphological processes driving this phenomenon. The creative formation of new words on social media often lacks systematic documentation, resulting in a gap in our understanding of how language evolves in urban contexts (Babatunde, 2023). This gap poses challenges for linguists and cultural scholars who seek to capture the dynamic nature of urban language. Without a clear analysis of these processes, it is difficult to appreciate the full impact of digital communication on linguistic innovation (Adesola, 2024; Okafor, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
To analyze the morphological processes underlying neologism formation in urban slang.
To document recent neologisms on social media.
To assess the cultural significance of these new terms.
Research Questions
What morphological processes are most evident in urban slang neologisms?
How are new words formed and disseminated on social media?
What cultural factors influence morphological productivity in Nigerian urban slang?
Significance of the Study
This study enhances our understanding of language innovation by examining morphological productivity in Nigerian urban slang. Its insights will benefit linguists, sociologists, and digital media scholars by documenting the processes of neologism formation and their cultural implications (Babatunde, 2023; Adesola, 2024; Okafor, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses exclusively on neologisms in Nigerian urban slang as observed on social media and does not extend to traditional language forms.
Definitions of Terms
Morphological Productivity: The capacity of a language to generate new words.
Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions.
Urban Slang: Informal language used predominantly in metropolitan settings.
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