An Appraisal of Morphological Variation in Nigerian Social Media: A Comparative Study of Hashtag Neologisms on Twitter
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Background of the study
Morphological variation in digital communication reflects the rapid evolution of language in response to technological influences. On Twitter, hashtag neologisms have emerged as a distinctive marker of this evolution in Nigeria. These neologisms—new words or altered forms generated through the creative use of hashtags—serve as both linguistic innovations and cultural signifiers that capture social trends and political sentiments (Afolabi, 2023). Nigerian users often blend traditional morphological processes with digital creativity to coin expressions that resonate with contemporary experiences. The brevity of Twitter encourages users to experiment with word formation, leading to innovative abbreviations, blends, and acronyms that deviate from standard language conventions (Ibrahim, 2024). This study compares the formation, usage, and impact of hashtag neologisms on Twitter, providing insights into the mechanisms driving morphological change in Nigerian social media discourse. The investigation considers factors such as user demographics, socio-political influences, and platform affordances, revealing how digital contexts facilitate rapid morphological innovation (Obi, 2025). By tracing the evolution of these neologisms, the study aims to contribute to theoretical models of digital morphological change and expand our understanding of language evolution in the digital age.
Statement of the problem
While hashtag neologisms have become a notable aspect of Nigerian Twitter discourse, there is limited research focusing specifically on their morphological characteristics and evolution. Most studies on digital language change do not differentiate between general lexical innovation and the unique processes involved in hashtag formation. This gap hinders the development of comprehensive linguistic models that account for digital morphological variation in social media contexts (Chinwe, 2023). Without detailed analysis, educators and language policymakers lack insights into how these innovations challenge conventional morphological norms and impact broader language trends (Ibrahim, 2024). This study aims to address these shortcomings by systematically analyzing hashtag neologisms in Nigerian Twitter posts, thereby illuminating the processes underlying digital morphological innovation.
Objectives of the study
1. To identify and categorize hashtag neologisms on Nigerian Twitter.
2. To analyze the morphological processes involved in their creation.
3. To assess the impact of these neologisms on language evolution.
Research questions
1. What types of hashtag neologisms are prevalent on Nigerian Twitter?
2. What morphological processes drive their formation?
3. How do these neologisms influence overall language change in digital contexts?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it appraises morphological variation through hashtag neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse. It contributes to sociolinguistic theory by elucidating digital word formation processes and informs language education and policy by highlighting emerging linguistic trends (Afolabi, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to analyzing hashtag neologisms on Nigerian Twitter, excluding other digital platforms and non hashtag lexical innovations.
Definitions of terms
• Hashtag Neologism: A new word or expression created through the use of hashtags.
• Morphological Variation: Differences in word formation processes.
• Digital Discourse: Language use in online environments.
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