The Effects of Social Media on Second Language Acquisition Motivation and Engagement with the Target Language

Abstract

Motivation, which can be intrinsic or extrinsic, is an important criterion when it comes to successful second language acquisition. Motivation theories by Dornyei and Gardner outlined several models for successful language learning, such as integrative and instrumental motivation, as well as self-development. Language input, presented in early theories and research by Krashen, is also considered an essential part of any successful language learning experience. Research on social media sites and networks for second language learning in formal and informal environments also highlighted several positive aspects, such as collaborative learning, social interaction with native speakers and a source of authentic language input. For this study, a social media project was created for two introductory French classes (Level I and Level II), comprising of 18 students, who were the participants in this research. After signing up on Twitter and being taught the features of the platform as well as some language learning strategies, students were encouraged (not compulsory) to engage with the different French materials such as memes, tweets, songs, articles and videos that the investigator shared over a period of four months. In an anonymous survey. the participants responded to multiple choice questions, 5-point Likert Scale questions and open-ended questions in a survey (see Appendix A), which were then analyzed to answer the hypotheses drafted by the investigator. Utilizing t-tests, chi-square analysis, a single factor ANOVA and thematic coding, the data analysis showed that the language background and interest level of students did not impact their engagement level with the different French language materials shared on social media, as well as their weekly visits on Twitter. It also found a significant engagement with all the different materials that were shared on Twitter, with tweets and memes being the most popular. This research study also showed an increased motivation to learn French because of the social media project. Finally, the investigator also found that students used several language learning strategies that were taught to them to engage with the different French language materials that were shared on Twitter. The participants, for the most part, also had an overall positive perception of the social media project, although there were suggestions and comments suggesting that some French language materials were not as appreciated as others and that changes could be made to improve the nature of the class project in this study.