The Impact of Social Media on Language Learning: A Case Study of Students at the Faculty of Tourism

Öz

This study examines the impact of social media use on the foreign language learning process in the context of students at the Faculty of Tourism, Batman University. The research employs a qualitative research design and adopts a case study methodology. The study involves 40 students who are receiving education in different languages. Of the participants, 80% are female and 20% are male. Semi-structured interviews are used as the data collection tool. The interviews include eight questions regarding the students' level of social media use for foreign language learning purposes, its contributions, and the challenges they face. The data obtained is analysed through content analysis and categorized into themes and codes. The findings reveal that students predominantly use social media platforms to improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills. Furthermore, it is found that social media helps boost students' confidence and reduces their anxiety regarding the use of English. However, challenges such as accent differences, imbalances in language proficiency levels, and internet access issues may hinder the language learning process. In conclusion, while social media serves as a supportive tool for foreign language learning, it is recommended that pedagogical strategies be developed for its effective integration.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Social media
• foreign language learning
• students of tourism faculty

Sosyal Medyanın Dil Öğrenimi Üzerindeki Etkisi: Turizm Fakültesi Öğrencileri Örneği

Öz

Bu çalışma, sosyal medya kullanımının yabancı dil öğrenme süreci üzerindeki etkilerini Batman Üniversitesi Turizm Fakültesi öğrencileri bağlamında incelemektedir. Araştırmada nitel araştırma deseni kullanılmış ve durum çalışması yöntemi benimsenmiştir. Çalışmaya, farklı dillerden eğitim alan 40 öğrenci katılmıştır. Katılımcıların %80’i kadın, %20’si erkektir. Veri toplama aracı olarak yarı yapılandırılmış mülakatlar kullanılmıştır. Görüşmelerde, öğrencilerin sosyal medya platformlarını yabancı dil öğrenme amaçlı kullanım düzeyleri, sağladığı katkılar ve karşılaşılan zorluklar bağlamında sekiz soru sorulmuştur. Elde edilen veriler içerik analizi yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiş, temalar ve kodlara ayrılmıştır. Bulgular, öğrencilerin sosyal medya platformlarını en çok kelime bilgisi, telaffuz ve dinleme becerilerini geliştirmek için kullandıklarını göstermektedir. Ayrıca, sosyal medyanın öğrencilere özgüven kazandırdığı ve İngilizce kullanımına yönelik kaygılarını azalttığı belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte, aksan farklılıkları, dil seviyeleri arasındaki dengesizlikler ve internet erişimi gibi bazı zorlukların dil öğrenme sürecini engelleyebileceği tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, sosyal medya yabancı dil öğrenimini destekleyici bir araç olsa da, etkili entegrasyonu için pedagojik stratejilerin geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Sosyal medya
• yabancı dil öğrenimi
• turizm fakültesi öğrencileri

Kaynakça

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