Background of the Study
Hashtag neologisms have become an integral part of Nigerian digital vernaculars, reshaping language use on social media. These newly coined expressions emerge from hashtags that capture cultural trends, social movements, and everyday experiences. In Nigeria, users creatively blend indigenous expressions with global slang to produce hybrid linguistic forms that represent contemporary digital identities (Adeniyi, 2023). This study examines how hashtag neologisms contribute to the development of digital vernaculars by analyzing their formation, usage, and spread across platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The research explores the dynamic interplay between language innovation and cultural identity, demonstrating how digital vernaculars challenge traditional language norms. It further investigates the socio-cultural and technological factors that drive the creation of these neologisms, situating them within broader frameworks of linguistic evolution in the digital era (Okoro, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although hashtag neologisms are increasingly influential in shaping Nigerian digital vernaculars, there is limited research on their formation and impact on language. Existing studies have largely focused on lexical innovation in isolation, without considering the broader socio-cultural implications of these new expressions. This gap restricts our understanding of how digital communication fosters vernacular language change. This study aims to address this deficiency by analyzing hashtag neologisms in Nigerian social media, providing empirical insights into their role in language evolution (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze the formation of hashtag neologisms in Nigerian social media.
To evaluate their impact on digital vernaculars.
To identify socio-cultural factors driving their creation.
Research Questions:
How are hashtag neologisms formed in Nigerian digital discourse?
What role do they play in shaping digital vernaculars?
What cultural factors influence their creation?
Significance of the Study
This study enhances our understanding of digital vernacular evolution by examining hashtag neologisms. Its insights are essential for linguists, cultural analysts, and digital media professionals (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Nigerian social media platforms.
Definitions of Terms:
Digital Vernaculars: Informal language forms emerging online.
Hashtag Neologisms: Newly coined words initiated by hashtags.
Neologism: A newly created word or expression.
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