An Investigation of Digital Neologisms in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of Twitter Hashtag Movements
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Background of the study
Digital neologisms are rapidly emerging as central features of online language, particularly on Twitter. In Nigeria, hashtag movements serve as dynamic vehicles for lexical innovation, as users repurpose and modify words to reflect evolving social and political realities (Ibrahim, 2023). These newly coined terms spread quickly across networks, challenging traditional vocabulary and grammatical conventions. This study investigates digital neologisms within Nigerian Twitter hashtag movements, analyzing the processes of word formation—including blending, clipping, and affixation—and the sociocultural drivers behind these innovations (Okafor, 2024). By examining a corpus of tweets associated with trending hashtags, the research aims to document the emergence, adoption, and normalization of new lexical items. The study contributes to digital lexicology by offering insights into how social media drives language change and influences public discourse in a multicultural society.
Statement of the problem
Despite the prominence of digital neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, there is limited systematic research on the linguistic mechanisms underpinning their creation. Existing studies often focus on the social impact of hashtags without adequately addressing the lexical innovation they generate. This gap hampers our understanding of the processes of digital word formation and the broader implications for conventional language structures (Chukwu, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• Analyze neologisms emerging from Nigerian Twitter hashtag movements.
• Identify the word formation processes involved in these innovations.
• Evaluate the impact of these neologisms on traditional vocabulary.
Research questions
• What new lexical items are created through hashtag movements?
• Which processes (e.g., blending, clipping) are most common?
• How do these innovations affect conventional language norms?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores digital neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, offering insights into how online platforms drive lexical change. Its findings will contribute to digital linguistics and inform language policy and education regarding evolving language practices (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to Twitter hashtag movements among Nigerian users; it does not cover other platforms or offline language use.
Definitions of terms
• Neologisms: Newly created words or expressions.
• Hashtag Movements: Organized social media campaigns using specific hashtags.
• Lexical Innovation: The process of developing new vocabulary.
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