An Assessment of Nigerian Digital Neologisms on Social Media: A Case Study of Instagram Hashtags
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Background of the study
Digital neologisms are rapidly transforming language, and in Nigeria, Instagram has emerged as a key arena for such lexical innovation. Instagram hashtags are used not only to tag content but also to coin new terms and expressions that capture contemporary cultural and social phenomena (Ibrahim, 2023). Users creatively combine words, abbreviations, and symbols to form neologisms that quickly gain popularity and diffuse through online communities. This study focuses on the formation, adoption, and impact of digital neologisms within Instagram hashtags among Nigerian users. It examines the linguistic processes involved in word formation, including blending, clipping, and affixation, as well as the social contexts that drive these innovations (Okafor, 2024). By analyzing a corpus of hashtag data, the research aims to document the evolution of new lexical items and their implications for traditional language norms. This investigation not only sheds light on the dynamic nature of language in digital spaces but also contributes to the broader field of digital linguistics by illustrating how online practices foster continuous lexical evolution (Adebayo, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Although digital neologisms have become widespread on Instagram, there is limited research on their linguistic and cultural impacts within Nigerian digital discourse. Existing studies tend to focus on meme culture or visual content, neglecting the systematic analysis of new word formation through hashtags (Chukwu, 2023). This research gap limits our understanding of how digital neologisms influence language evolution and cultural identity. Without detailed examination, the mechanisms behind neologism creation and their integration into everyday language remain poorly understood, impeding theoretical advancements in digital linguistics (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To analyze the formation and usage of digital neologisms in Instagram hashtags among Nigerian users.
- To examine the linguistic processes driving new word creation.
- To assess the impact of these neologisms on traditional language practices.
Research questions
- What types of digital neologisms emerge from Nigerian Instagram hashtags?
- How are these neologisms formed and adopted by users?
- What effects do these new terms have on conventional language norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it evaluates the impact of digital neologisms on Nigerian social media, specifically through Instagram hashtags. The insights will inform digital linguistics research, helping educators, linguists, and media practitioners understand the transformative power of online language innovation (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to examining digital neologisms within Nigerian Instagram hashtags. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline language practices, ensuring a focused analysis of the phenomenon.
Definitions of terms
- Neologisms: Newly coined words or expressions.
- Hashtags: Metadata tags used on social media platforms to categorize content.
- Lexical Innovation: The process of creating new vocabulary.
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