The Impact of Synchronous Online Communication on Ideal L2 Self

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the extent to which synchronous online communication with native and nonnative speakers of English improves English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ ideals L2 self. The study was based on a quasi-experimental research design and involved the contact of Turkish EFL learners with foreign English speakers (native or nonnative speakers of English) by means of online communication tools, Google Hangouts and Eliademy. The data collection and analysis encompass the use of qualitative methods. The findings show that engaging EFL learners in synchronous online communication with people from different cultures improves learners’ self-images using English in the future. As a result, the study calls for integrating synchronous online communication means into language learning programs to increase learners’ ideal L2 self.

Keywords

• ideal L2 self
• motivation
• synchronous communication
• technology

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