New Media and Language Learning: Opening Global Doors to Linguistic Development

2021 International journal of English learning and teaching skills  
New media and its significant impact on language learning can be traced back to no more than 60 years. Within this time, the mode of language learning has been revolutionized, by increasing user-accessibility, comfort, and exposure. The most influential types of new media used globally are computer-assisted applications, video-on-demand websites, and social network sites. Objectives: The present study has three objectivesto review the impact of new media on language learning; to determine the
more » ... fferences between the effects of new media languagelearning and traditional style of language learning; and to understand the assistance provided by new media technology in the language learning of populations with learning disabilities. Method: Literature review method was adopted. Results: The findings of the present paper highlights how new media has impacted language learning by generating greater accessibility, exposure to content, and user-self-efficacywhich is beneficial with the learning disability population. It has been found that the most effective way of language learning is an amalgamation of new media and conventional face-to-face language learning style. However, this content of language learning has faced degradation. The present study therefore proposes the NMCQ (New Media Content Quality) model. It provides a synthesis of effective new media language learning by matching the quantity of language learners with the quality of content being learned. It proposes an amalgamation of new media technology and human assistance in promoting effective methods of linguistic development. Conclusion: It has been found that new media alone cannot proliferate optimal language learning, and the quality of content may not be ideal. Nevertheless, new media is beneficial in the efficiency of language learning in terms of accessibility, exposure and cultural assimilation. With the growing global foreign economy, the need for language learners has gained importance. Therefore, the significance of new media cannot be understated in this domain. These are the three variables hinged on which the digital world promises difference, and its presence may be noticed in all the pillars of societyincluding economy, education, culture, government, and science. Culture has widely been regarded as one of the most important legs of society, as it lays the foundation of one's pride, subjective identity, and familiarity. An aspect that is essential in building and sustaining a nation or group's culture is their language, which acts as an amalgamation of one's thoughts and beliefs (Sapir and Whorf, 1956). Therefore, learning language essentially hands an individual a magnifying glass into one's way of life. The present paper aims to understand the relation between new media and language learningincluding the aspects of its impact on language learning, the difference in effectiveness of new media and traditional language learning styles, and the influence of new media in aiding language learning of individuals with learning disabilities. The three types of new media considered are computer-assisted applications, video-on-demand websites, and social network sites. The Need of Language Learning in a Globalized Economy With the corona virus pandemic bringing forth the spotlight on the new media and its endless bounds, Sharma (2020) believes that the world is undergoing the Digital Revolution 2.0which has accelerated the multinational growths of businesses, education sectors, pharmaceutical industries etc. Consequently, transnational communication is the need of the hourand for this purpose, shedding linguistic barriers is needed. Therefore, the salience of language learning cannot be understated. Language learning leading to plurilingualism and multilingualism (Edwards, 1994) 2511 Running Head: NEW MEDIA AND LANGUAGE LEARNING 5 plays a primary role in multinational business transaction, global summits, foreign policy negotiations, transnational education meets etc., and aids in the relatability of one individual with another. It allows the communication of not just languagebut of mutual respect and effective relationship-building (Language Policy Division, Council of Europe, 2007; Thorne, 2010). Without a commonality of tongue, inter-unit information transfer would not be possible (Hedlund, 1999). This indicates towards the desideratum of language learning in the new media-dominated 21 st Century. Synthesizing Linguistic Development with 1s and 0s With the advent of information technology, the language of the new media (i.e. the binary numeric system comprising of 1s and 0s) has gained a stronghold over human language. It has led to methods of teaching and learning being revolutionized, whereby classrooms have adopted the latest approach of integrating technology for the classroom atmosphere (Mutmainna, 2016). The different types of new media have gained unprecedented popularity today. Previously, people used to go through several books for any information on learning a language, but now almost all information is found in the world multimedia. This aids in increasing inter-connectedness of users, thereby ensuring that their language should not have to be a barrier. Carmean and Haefner (2002) propounded that these networks are present-day applied technologies that help any person to learn a second language with minimal stress. New media makes possible virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Zoom etc., all of which help facilitate easy and convenient communication between teachers and students.
doi:10.15864/ijelts.3407 fatcat:pmowxiveovfg3ilkeajfo6w2by