An Exploration of Social Media’s Influence on Informal English Language Learning: A Case of Students of English, French and Spanish Languages at The University of Laghouat

Abstract

This thesis explores the influence of social media on informal English language learning among students of foreign languages at the University of Amar Thelidji and their perceptions of using social media as an informal English language learning tool. In the Algerian educational context, the existing body of literature is limited to how social media impacts students’ formal language learning only. This study addresses this gap by employing a mixed-method approach to analyze questionnaire and semi-structured interview data about social media’s influence on informal English language learning and learners’ perceptions of using it as an informal learning tool. The findings revealed that social media is used fairly for English learning, has a positive influence on English language skills and is seen as a flexible, immersive and accessible tool for informal English language learning beyond traditional instruction