Zhang, X.; Romero-Forteza, F. Social Media as a Tool for Informal Spanish Learning: A Phenomenological Study of Chinese Students’ Behaviour in Spain. Behav. Sci.2024, 14, 584.
Zhang, X.; Romero-Forteza, F. Social Media as a Tool for Informal Spanish Learning: A Phenomenological Study of Chinese Students’ Behaviour in Spain. Behav. Sci. 2024, 14, 584.
Zhang, X.; Romero-Forteza, F. Social Media as a Tool for Informal Spanish Learning: A Phenomenological Study of Chinese Students’ Behaviour in Spain. Behav. Sci.2024, 14, 584.
Zhang, X.; Romero-Forteza, F. Social Media as a Tool for Informal Spanish Learning: A Phenomenological Study of Chinese Students’ Behaviour in Spain. Behav. Sci. 2024, 14, 584.
Abstract
: This study explores the perceptions of Chinese learners in Spain regarding the use of social networks for informal Spanish language learning. The objective is to identify the challenges and benefits of using social networks to address the real needs of students in learning Spanish. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, focusing on participants’ perceptions before and after using social networks. Eight Chinese students were selected for the study. The study was conducted in Valencia and Barcelona, Spain, from 1 September 2023 to 20 March 2024, and three commonly used social media networks were compared. The results indicate positive perceptions towards social media as a tool for learning Spanish, highlighting its usefulness in improving language skills and enhancing cultural awareness. Additionally, Xiaohongshu and Bilibili emerged as the most popular platforms for Spanish language learning among Chinese students. This study concludes that social media effectively meets the authentic needs of Chinese students learning Spanish in Spain, enhancing both language skills and cultural adaptation. This multifaceted approach reflects the complexity of learning Spanish in the digital age, combining personal passion, professional aspirations, and cultural adaptation needs.
Keywords
informal language learning; social media; Chinese learners; Spanish language acquisition; cultural awareness; digital learning; social network; motivation for learning; student experiences; higher education; learning behaviors
Subject
Arts and Humanities, Other
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
