The Effects of Social Networking and Modern Technology On Second Language Learners

Modern technology is having a very positive effect on second language learners. It can be a

great help for the learner to acquire a second language faster and with more fluency,

especially for students that are living in a country outside of the second language speaking


countries. In this paper I will review some of the social networks and programs that can help

students to acquire a second language more quickly





Social networking sites, such as "Facebook "and "Twitter", are thriving on the use of short

snippets of information, shortened forms of full words, and fully developed sentences and

thoughts. This major social trend in the use of technology has a tremendous positive effect

on education, especially for English language learners. These social networks facilitate the

learner being able to meet friends who speak the language they are learning. Within this

format they can tweet to new friends, make comments on their tweets and postings and

also chat with them at will





Another great program for video and chatting is called "Skype ". In this program you can

meet native and non native people online and have an interesting conversation with them in

either groups or individuals by a call system. In this way everyone will learn the customs and

traditions of the others nationalities and countries. In a short period of time they will learn

new words, and different forms and structures from each other





Another program is “Paltalk ". It is a one of the best programs to improve your second


language. There is a very active education category that has more than 40 rooms to practice

different languages like English, Arabic, French, etc. This program has the advantage for

newcomers to take the microphone and speak without being afraid of people being

judgmental about your language skill level. In this way you are more comfortable with any

mistakes in speech and the advantage of native speakers who are well versed in their

language offering you correction. Your true identity is unknown as you use a nick name.

Most of the education rooms in "Paltalk” are friendly with the beginners and they try to make

them as comfortable as they can. Of course, the presence of native is very important for the

learner .The Learner can listen to them and interact with them in the text and try to imitate

them afterwards on the microphone. Step by step you will find yourself practicing your

listening ,writing , and speaking skills and improving it in a fun environment, without any

pressure, tension or anxiety from the judgment of the teacher





Now we will move to a different kind of site. This is called ''youtype''. This site is very

famous for having a lot of funny videos, but a lot of people do not know that " youtype" has

more than 100 channels just for teaching different languages. Every channel has a group of

teachers that are uploading videos of them explaining grammar rules or vocabulary or idiom ,

etc. Actually many people learn English just by watching these videos because it is not just

from natives it is from native teachers who can deliver and explain the information to the

learner in a simple easy manner. You can also contact them in the same channel

This way of learning has proved its success especially in the communication skills and fluency .
Another advantage of this service is that they are free. Without buying anything, you will

only be paying for your internet connection





With the spreading desire for all kinds of new tablets and smart phones like ipad, Galaxy,

iphone, htc, etc. you have easy access to all these programs . Whether you are waiting for

a bus, cooking, or at your job, you can just open your smart phone or your tablet and

access these programs. Instantly you can chat with your native friends and know their last

tweet and last posting. With them you can enjoy learning a second language in an easy and

interesting way. Plus you will have access to learn about another culture and their behavior

and will understand the use of the language more readily





Technology opens the door to opportunities and access to people outside our immediate

social circles. The result of the virtual world often closes doors to real-world encounters.

Technology has increased the opportunities for long-distance communication, and the ability

to get to know and understand other peoples cultures and behaviors and the use of the

language





I advise anyone and everyone who is serious about learning a second language to immerse

themselves in a second language. Force yourself to write and speak in the second language

for at least half of each day. No matter where you live, you can modify and adjust your

environment to work for you in learning a second language





By Me
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