The Impact of Social Media as a Scaffolding in English Language Acquisition: A Case Study in Non-commissioned Officers in the Sri Lanka Army – AJHSSR

The Impact of Social Media as a Scaffolding in English Language Acquisition: A Case Study in Non-commissioned Officers in the Sri Lanka Army

The Impact of Social Media as a Scaffolding in English Language Acquisition: A Case Study in Non-commissioned Officers in the Sri Lanka Army

ABSTRACT:This study investigated the impact of social media usage on English language proficiency among Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel, particularly non-commissioned officers, addressing a significant gap in the literature. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze data gathered from 234 military personnel. Social media use is measured across six dimensions: uploading content, sharing content, sending messages, receiving messages, downloading materials, and reading materials. Language proficiency is assessed in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The results demonstrate a significant positive effect of social media engagement on overall English language proficiency, with writing skills showing the most substantial improvement, followed by enhanced listening and reading capabilities. The study concludes that strategic social media integration into formal language learning can significantly improve overall English proficiency. The study addresses the key issues and arguments highlighting the implications of social media on language learning. It contributes to the growing body of literature on the role of digital channels in education, showing that social media is an effective strategy for English language acquisition. The study recommends a blended curriculum integrating social media platforms with traditional language training, suggesting specific strategies such as utilizing diverse audio formats for listening skills, engaging with professional content for reading comprehension, and implementing interactive writing and speaking activities through various social platforms. These findings provide valuable insights for military training programs and policymakers in the public and private sectors seeking to enhance employees’ English language acquisition through innovative, social media-backed language courses.

KEYWORDS: English language acquisition, language learning, Sri Lanka military personnel, social media