Transformations in Digital Linguistics: How Social Media Shapes Vocabulary and Grammar

Abstract

Introduction: The development of information technology and social networks has significantly influenced the evolution of digital language. Using mobile applications on social networks improves a foreign language’s grammatical and lexical knowledge.

Objectives: The study aims to identify the role of a game-based approach based on mobile applications in social networks on the development of students’ grammar and vocabulary.

Methods: The chosen digital tool is Kahoot, which offers various templates for minigames that support learning, repeating, and testing.

Results: The experiment included Group A (n = 22), which was exposed to frequent Kahoot minigames for learning, practising, and repeating, and Group B (n = 22), the English grammar curriculum, which included no games. During the two-month study, the students of both groups were subject to (1) self-assessment aiming to measure their basic psychological needs (BPNs) satisfaction and (2) academic performance tests evaluating their knowledge and skills. The patterns shown by comparing both measurements reveal that introducing gamification through Kahoot minigames enhances vocabulary and grammar skills. However, more game details should be added to satisfy all three BPNs. Besides, while the progress from topic to topic was inconsistent in both Groups, students who used Kahoot were more successful than their counterparts.

Conclusions: The current study proves that the digital game approach, in general, and the Kahoot platform, in particular, can be incorporated into Chinese colleges to improve the quality of education and students’ well-being and motivation.