Background of the study
Hashtag‑based neologisms have become an integral part of digital communication, particularly on Twitter, where they capture cultural trends and social movements. In Nigeria, users repurpose hashtags to coin new words and expressions that reflect current events and evolving social identities (Ibrahim, 2023). These neologisms often emerge rapidly, spreading virally through retweets and engagements. This study investigates the mechanisms behind hashtag‑based neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse and compares different trends to understand how they influence lexical innovation. By analyzing diverse hashtag movements, the research examines word formation processes such as blending, clipping, and affixation, and considers the sociocultural factors driving these linguistic changes (Okafor, 2024). The study also explores the broader implications of these neologisms on traditional language norms and the dynamic nature of online language evolution, offering insights into digital lexical creativity in Nigeria.
Statement of the problem
Despite the growing prominence of hashtag‑based neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, systematic research on their formation and impact remains limited. Existing studies tend to focus on content and political sentiment rather than the lexical innovations that hashtags inspire (Chukwu, 2023). This research gap restricts our understanding of the processes by which new words are created and disseminated in digital spaces, thus hindering the development of robust models for digital lexical change (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it sheds light on hashtag‑based lexical innovation in Nigerian online communication. The findings will inform linguists and digital media scholars about the dynamics of word creation in the digital era, enhancing theoretical models of lexical change and guiding language policy (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to hashtag‑based neologisms on Nigerian Twitter. It does not extend to other social media platforms or offline contexts.
Definitions of terms
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