Background of the Study
Visual hashtag campaigns on Instagram have become a powerful tool for digital activism and cultural expression in Nigeria. These campaigns combine striking images with hashtags that encapsulate collective sentiments and social movements. As users create and disseminate these visual hashtags, they often modify traditional word structures to better align with the platform’s aesthetics and communicative demands. Morphological adaptations include the creation of hybrid words, abbreviations, and novel affixes that reflect both indigenous expressions and global influences. This study examines the effect of visual hashtag campaigns on Nigerian morphology by analyzing Instagram movements that have sparked widespread social engagement. It investigates how visual elements interact with text to generate innovative lexical forms, thereby challenging conventional morphological norms. By situating these changes within the framework of digital semiotics and morphological theory, the research aims to provide insights into the dynamic interplay between image and language in online activism (Okoro, 2024; Adeniyi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Although visual hashtag campaigns are prominent in Nigerian digital activism, there is limited research on how they affect word formation and morphological adaptation. Existing studies tend to focus on either visual communication or lexical innovation in isolation. This gap restricts our understanding of the integrated impact of visual cues on morphological change. The study seeks to address this by exploring the linguistic modifications associated with Instagram hashtag movements, thereby revealing the processes that drive digital morphological innovation (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze morphological changes in Instagram hashtag campaigns.
To assess the interaction between visual elements and word formation.
To identify socio-cultural drivers behind these adaptations.
Research Questions:
What new morphological forms emerge from visual hashtag campaigns?
How do visual cues influence lexical modification?
What cultural factors contribute to these adaptations?
Significance of the Study
This study sheds light on the role of visual communication in driving morphological innovation in Nigeria. Its findings are significant for linguists and media scholars interested in digital language change and online activism (Adeniyi, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to Instagram movements; may not represent morphological changes on other platforms.
Definitions of Terms:
Morphology: The study of word formation and structure.
Hashtag Campaigns: Coordinated digital movements using hashtags to promote causes.
Visual Content: Images or graphics that complement textual messages.
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