Saudi Students' Perceptions of the Influence of Social Media New Vocabulary on English Language Proficiency

Abstract

This study explores the Saudi students' perspectives regarding the influence of social media on their understanding and use of English vocabulary. As social media platforms have become integral to communication, they introduce a dynamic lexicon that often diverges from traditional language norms. Through qualitative interviews and surveys, the research examines how students perceive the Impact of the New Vocabulary of social media on their Knowledge of English. It focuses on three key areas: the extent of students' exposure to social media vocabulary, its impact on their comprehension and application of standard English, and their views on the benefits and drawbacks of integrating social media language into their learning process. The findings indicate that social media significantly impacts vocabulary acquisition among Saudi students, offering both opportunities and challenges. While social media provides exposure to contemporary language and cultural expressions, it also presents challenges related to the informal nature of its vocabulary. Understanding Saudi students' perspectives on this influence can inform educational practices and support more effective language learning strategies. This study contributes to the broader discourse on language acquisition in the digital age, highlighting the need for educational strategies that bridge traditional language instruction with contemporary communication trends.