Lexical Innovation: A Morphosemantic Study of Gen-Z Neologisms

Ijeoma Paulette Ezuruike and Prof Gbenga Ibileye
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Ijeoma Paulette Ezuruike: Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria
Prof Gbenga Ibileye: Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 1, 4551-4563

Abstract: This study is concerned with the English neologisms of Generation Z Language users (popularly called Gen-Z), whose linguistic norm is gaining entry into the English language used in social media, thus influencing the language of four generations which are categorised based on birth years and shared cultural experiences. The four generations include Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and these categories of people form a set of active users of English Language, especially on social media. This language norm makes a remarkable impression on the vocabulary of English with the existence of social media since there is often an explosion in the frequency with which speakers make use of such innovation or construction in the target language. What is unique about the neologisms of the Generation Z English users is first, the pace with which they are formed and used and second, the ease with which they gain traction among diverse users. Although this speed is an unusual feature of language change which its process is measured, it is imperative to note that language innovation is ceaseless and remorseless. Every language that is spoken continues to change, not just century by century, but day by day.

Date: 2025
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