The Use of Social Networking Sites for Language Practice and Learning

Abstract

Recent descriptions of online social networking communities (i.e., Facebook, MySpace) within the Web 2.0 movement1 have suggested that these sites might be used in educational contexts to promote cultural awareness, interaction, and collaboration (Ferdig et al., 2007). Here it is argued that social networking sites can also be used for language teaching and learning. Te purpose of this paper is therefore threefold: (1) to provide a theoretical framework justifying the use and incorporation of social networking sites in foreign language courses; (2) to review existing social networking sites and provide suggestions for how they might be used in different language contexts; and (3) to describe an ongoing study in which one social networking site, Orkut, is being used for a course in Portuguese as a foreign language. Besides suggesting that social networking sites can serve as an authentic way to be exposed to language and culture outside of the classroom, it is also argued that participation in social networking sites can be an ideal medium for language practice and learning. Ilha do Desterro Florianópolis nº 60 p. 277- 303 jan/jun 2011