Utilizing Social Media Networks as Learning Tools for Foreign Languages among Arab Youth in UAE

Abstract

In the globalized world, social media networks have become popular information sharing platforms used extensively as web-based learning facilitation tools for learning purposes. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the present study evaluated the usability, usefulness, and impact of social media networks as learning tools for Arab youth. It also explored the attitudes of Arab learners of foreign languages towards the use of social media networking sites as learning tools. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using an E-questionnaire from (400) Arab youth who come from different countries but reside in UAE. Data was analyzed and the Results revealed that Arab youth held positive attitudes towards social media as useful tools for learning languages as they have extensively embraced these tools to learn foreign languages. They predominantly use Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, as their favorite social media networks. The study also revealed that Arab youth have been using social media as learning tools for a period spanning several years demonstrating that they understand its usefulness as learning tools for learning languages; especially because they feel comfortable during their experience on social media networks. In view of this result, the study recommended that teachers of foreign languages should embrace Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram networks as learning tools in order to capture the interest of their students and make the learning of foreign languages effective.