An Investigation of Hashtag Based Neologisms in Nigerian Online Communication: A Case Study of Twitter Trends
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Background of the study
Hashtag based neologisms are a prominent feature of Nigerian Twitter discourse, reflecting the rapid pace of digital lexical innovation. These neologisms emerge when users creatively repurpose hashtags to coin new words and expressions that encapsulate cultural, political, and social phenomena (Akinyele, 2023). On Twitter, the combination of brevity and immediacy drives the development of concise, impactful language that often deviates from conventional usage. Nigerian users leverage this medium to blend elements from indigenous languages with English and pidgin, resulting in hybrid expressions that capture contemporary realities. The study examines multiple Twitter trends to analyze how hashtag based neologisms form, spread, and influence everyday language. By exploring morphological processes such as clipping, blending, and affixation, the research aims to document the lifecycle of these neologisms and assess their impact on the digital lexicon, thereby providing a comprehensive view of language evolution in Nigerian online communication (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Despite the widespread occurrence of hashtag based neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, research on their linguistic formation and impact is limited. Existing studies often concentrate on the social and political functions of hashtags without addressing their role in lexical innovation. This gap restricts our understanding of how digital communication drives new word formation and alters language use. The study seeks to address this by focusing on the morphological and semantic dimensions of hashtag based neologisms, thereby revealing their contribution to digital language evolution in Nigeria (Chukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To examine the formation of hashtag based neologisms in Nigerian Twitter trends.
- To analyze their morphological and semantic characteristics.
- To evaluate their impact on everyday digital language.
Research questions
- How are hashtag based neologisms formed on Nigerian Twitter?
- What morphological processes are involved?
- What effect do these neologisms have on digital communication?
Significance of the study
This study is significant because it elucidates the mechanisms behind digital neologism formation on Twitter, providing insights into contemporary lexical innovation in Nigeria. The findings will contribute to linguistic theory and digital media studies, highlighting the transformative role of hashtag movements in shaping language (Akinyele, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to Twitter and focuses on hashtag based neologisms in Nigerian digital discourse, excluding other platforms and offline language practices.
Definitions of terms
- Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
- Hashtag: A keyword preceded by “#” used to index digital content.
- Digital Lexicon: The vocabulary that emerges from online communication.
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