An Appraisal of Morphological Variation in Nigerian Digital Discourse: A Comparative Study of Hashtag Neologisms on Twitter
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Background of the study
Morphological variation is a key indicator of language evolution, especially in digital contexts. On Twitter, Nigerian users actively participate in creating hashtag neologisms—new word forms that emerge from the creative use of hashtags (Ibrahim, 2023). These neologisms often reflect socio-cultural trends and serve as linguistic innovations that challenge traditional morphological boundaries. Hashtags initially functioned as metadata tags, but in Nigeria, they have evolved into linguistic units that encapsulate complex social meanings. This study investigates how hashtag neologisms contribute to morphological variation in Nigerian digital discourse. It examines the processes of word formation, such as blending, affixation, and compounding, that underlie these new forms. The research compares different instances of hashtag neologisms to understand the factors driving their creation and adoption. By analyzing a corpus of tweets, the study seeks to document the extent of morphological innovation and explore its implications for standard language norms (Okafor, 2024). This inquiry not only sheds light on contemporary linguistic trends but also provides insights into the broader dynamics of digital language change in Nigeria (Adebayo, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing prevalence of hashtag neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, there is limited empirical research on their morphological impact. Existing studies often overlook the systematic processes behind new word formation on social media, focusing instead on content analysis (Chukwu, 2023). This research gap hampers our understanding of how digital platforms foster morphological innovation and the subsequent effects on traditional language structures. Without a focused examination, the role of hashtag-driven morphological change remains inadequately understood, limiting theoretical and practical insights into digital linguistics (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze the morphological characteristics of hashtag neologisms on Twitter.
- To identify processes driving the formation of these neologisms.
- To evaluate the impact of hashtag-driven morphological innovations on conventional language.
Research questions
- What morphological variations are observed in hashtag neologisms on Twitter?
- How do Nigerian users create and adopt these neologisms?
- What is the effect of these innovations on traditional morphological patterns?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it appraises the role of hashtag neologisms in driving morphological variation in Nigerian digital discourse. The research will contribute to the understanding of digital language innovation and offer valuable insights for linguists and educators on the evolution of word formation in online environments (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study focuses exclusively on hashtag neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline morphological practices, ensuring a focused analysis.
Definitions of terms
- Morphological Variation: Differences in word structure and formation.
- Hashtag Neologisms: Newly coined words created through the use of hashtags.
- Word Formation: The process by which new words are created.
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