Analysis of word formation processes during the Algerian Hirak

Abstract EN

Algerian Hirak is not only remembered for its most impressive peaceful revolutions for democracy but also for its particular words, which are in short, critical components of recognition and change.

The present study aims at examining the types of word formation processes found in the words recently formed by the Algerian Hirakists and identifying the most productive process.

To this end, this study opts for the use of document analysis; the data presented is gathered from electronic personal documents such as Facebook posts, youtube videos, captions and hashtags on Instagram and Twitter.

The findings of this study reveal that there are some processes of word formation used in creating Algerian Hirak new words such as compounding, blending, clipping, borrowing and back formation, but the most productive process is affixation which is at a large extent influenced by the English suffix 'ist'.

This result can justify the impact of English language on Algerian dialects.