Youths as Linguistic Innovators: The Impact of Cameroon’s Youth Culture on the Spread of Neologisms in Urban Centers

This study explores the role of Cameroon’s youth culture as a driving force in the creation and dissemination of neologisms within urban centres, with a particular focus on the cities of Bamenda and Buea. In a rapidly changing linguistic landscape, young people are increasingly recognized as key agents of linguistic innovation, particularly in multilingual and postcolonial societies like Cameroon. The research investigates the ways in which the youth influence the development, spread, and acceptance of new vocabulary, examining the intersection of language, identity, and cultural expression. By employing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and participant observations, the study analyses how youth culture, mediated through social media, peer interactions, and local communities, fosters the emergence of neologisms. The findings reveal that neologisms, often shaped by youth experiences, reflect broader socio-political and cultural dynamics, such as globalization, technology, and local traditions. Additionally, the study highlights how neologisms serve as markers of youth identity, creating a sense of belonging and differentiation in urban spaces. Male neologisms generally reflect serious, goal-driven domains like politics, business, and education, while female neologisms often centre on fashion, social image, and relationships. This reveals how gendered interests influence language innovation among urban youth. The research emphasizes the significant role of youth as linguistic innovators and advocates for the recognition of their contributions to the evolving linguistic identity of Cameroon English. This study adds to the broader understanding of language change in postcolonial contexts as both a tool for communication and a symbol of cultural transformation.