Adult Saudi Students’ Practices and Perceptions of Utilizing Twitter for English Language Learning in the UK

Abstract

Twitter is one of the most widely used social media platforms in Saudi populations; however, research is limited regarding the efficiency, practices, and perceptions of utilizing this platform for the purpose of learning English. This study investigates the ways in which adult Saudi students in the UK use Twitter to learn the English language, and assesses the general practices and perceptions of the social media platform. Employing a sequential explanatory research design by conducting questionnaire and interviews for data collection and analysis, this study reveals that there are several opportunities for English language learning through the use of Twitter. Participants consisted primarily of digital residents who use Twitter to practice and learn English, and many noted that Twitter contributes to refined different language skills and an enhanced vocabulary. Therefore, we strongly recommend that instructors and educators encourage students to use Twitter in an English language learning capacity wherever access is possible.