Background of the study
Social media influencers have become pivotal in shaping language use in contemporary Nigeria. With platforms like Twitter serving as hotspots for linguistic innovation, neologisms—newly coined words and expressions—proliferate rapidly. This study investigates how influencers contribute to morphological change in Nigerian language by examining neologisms that emerge in Twitter trends. Influencers often blend elements from indigenous languages with global slang, leading to creative affixation, compounding, and blending processes that redefine existing lexical items (Eze, 2023). By analyzing a corpus of tweets from prominent influencers, this research seeks to identify recurrent morphological patterns and assess the factors driving these innovations. The study explores the interplay between digital media practices and traditional morphological processes, considering how the fast-paced online environment encourages linguistic experimentation. Furthermore, it examines the cultural implications of these changes on identity and communication among Nigerian youth, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of language evolution in digital spaces (Ifeanyi, 2024; Nwachukwu, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the visible proliferation of neologisms on Twitter, systematic research on the morphological impact of social media influencers in Nigeria remains scarce. This gap limits our understanding of how digital trends shape word formation processes and affect broader language change. Inconsistent morphological innovation may lead to a fragmented linguistic landscape, complicating language standardization and educational efforts (Eze, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
1. To document neologisms introduced by social media influencers on Twitter.
2. To analyze the morphological processes involved in their creation.
3. To evaluate the cultural and linguistic impact of these innovations.
Research questions:
1. What neologisms are most prevalent among Nigerian influencers?
2. Which morphological processes are predominantly employed?
3. How do these innovations influence contemporary language use?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it sheds light on the role of social media influencers in driving morphological innovation in Nigeria. The insights will help linguists, educators, and policymakers understand and harness digital language trends for effective communication and language planning (Nwachukwu, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on neologisms in Twitter trends and does not cover other social media platforms.
Definitions of terms:
1. Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions.
2. Morphology: The study of word formation and structure.
3. Social Media Influencers: Individuals with significant online followings who impact language use.
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