An Evaluation of Online Linguistic Innovation in Nigerian Social Media: A Case Study of Hashtag Neologisms on Twitter
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Background of the study
Hashtag neologisms are at the forefront of linguistic innovation in Nigerian digital communication. On Twitter, users creatively combine hashtags with existing words to form new expressions that encapsulate evolving cultural and political narratives (Adeniyi, 2023). These neologisms often emerge rapidly and spread virally, reflecting the dynamic nature of digital language evolution. Twitter’s constraints, such as character limits and immediacy, foster a unique environment for creative lexical formation. This study investigates hashtag neologisms as a form of online linguistic innovation by analyzing a corpus of Nigerian Twitter data. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neologism creation, examine their morphological and syntactic features, and assess their impact on the broader digital lexicon (Ibrahim, 2024; Obi, 2025). The findings will contribute to theoretical models of digital language change and provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers adapting to these rapid linguistic shifts.
Statement of the problem
Despite the prevalence of hashtag neologisms in Nigerian Twitter discourse, there is limited research on their linguistic characteristics and evolution. Existing studies predominantly focus on the socio-political impact of hashtags, neglecting the detailed processes of lexical innovation. This gap impedes the development of comprehensive models to explain digital language change, leaving educators and language planners without crucial data on emerging vocabulary trends (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To document hashtag neologisms on Nigerian Twitter.
• To analyze their linguistic features.
• To assess their impact on digital language innovation.
Research questions
• How are hashtag neologisms formed on Nigerian Twitter?
• What are their key morphological and syntactic features?
• How do they influence the broader digital lexicon?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it evaluates online linguistic innovation through hashtag neologisms on Nigerian Twitter. The insights gained will enrich sociolinguistic theory and provide practical guidance for adapting language education and policy to the rapidly changing digital lexicon (Adeniyi, 2023; Obi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to Nigerian Twitter and does not consider other social media platforms or offline language.
Definitions of terms
• Neologism: A newly coined word or expression.
• Hashtag: A term preceded by "#" used to index topics.
• Digital Lexicon: The vocabulary emerging from online communication.
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