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Using Facebook Data to Analyze Learner Interaction During Study Abroad
Author(s) -
Back Michele
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/flan.12036
Subject(s) - portuguese , social media , recall , ethnography , psychology , language acquisition , computer science , mathematics education , world wide web , linguistics , cognitive psychology , sociology , philosophy , anthropology
Abstract Although study abroad is viewed as an ideal environment for interaction in the target language, research in this area has relied mostly upon self‐reported data, which pose challenges regarding recall bias and participant commitment. This article shows how Facebook data can be used to analyze naturally occurring learner interactions during study abroad. Drawing from a 10‐month, Web‐based ethnography of three learners, findings indicate an overall increase in Portuguese use during study abroad, as well as acquisition of computer‐mediated communication–relevant terms in Portuguese. Comparisons to Language Contact Profile data show the advantages of using social media data to gain a detailed view of learner interactions while abroad. Implications for language instructors and the use of social media in the classroom setting are also discussed.