Empowerment by social media: Facebook applications and learning English among students of Anthropology and Sociology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

In a borderless world, English language is vital for non-native students not only as a language of knowledge but also as a language for students to market themselves . The main objective of this study was to examine the views of students on Facebook in learning English language. The study used an abductive research strategy where learning English in facebook was measured in experiential terms, that is, in terms of the students’ daily experience of ‘doing’ Facebook. The data were collected using in-depth interviews with the final sample size determined by data saturation. A total of 30 students was selected as informants using purposive and snowball sampling. Data validity and reliability were determined by the member checked method. The study found that the students’ perceptions of their Facebook experience in learning English may be categorized into six outcome themes, namely, writing, discussion, learning new words, grammar guides, listening and speaking skills, and translations skills. All in all, the outcomes reveal that the students’ experiences with Facebook applications have increased their confidence to use English as the medium of instruction either in formal and informal situations.