The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe
This study explores the utilization of WhatsApp abbreviations among university students in Zimbabwe and its implications for English language proficiency. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with 30 university students in Zimbabwe and Content Analysis of selected Wh...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Universiti Malaya
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Modern Languages |
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| Online Access: | https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/JML/article/view/54448 |
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| author | Clemenciana Mukenge |
| author_facet | Clemenciana Mukenge |
| author_sort | Clemenciana Mukenge |
| collection | DOAJ |
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This study explores the utilization of WhatsApp abbreviations among university students in Zimbabwe and its implications for English language proficiency. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with 30 university students in Zimbabwe and Content Analysis of selected WhatsApp messages, this study investigates the nature, purpose, and implications of abbreviation usage on students’ language skills. The findings reveal that while abbreviations facilitate efficient communication and social cohesion, they also simplify language, reduce vocabulary development and grammatical accuracy, and blur the distinction between formal and informal communication, potentially eroding formal language skills, particularly for non-native English speakers. The study highlights the need for educators to implement a multifaceted approach, incorporating digital literacy, context-dependent language use, vocabulary and grammar development, linguistic flexibility awareness, and balanced communication practices to reconcile digital communication demands with linguistic efficacy goals. These findings have positive and negative implications on students’ overall language proficiency. The study’s limitations include using a relatively small sample (30 students) and focusing solely on WhatsApp abbreviations, excluding other social media platforms. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample and explore a broader range of social media platforms.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-89994e8b56e846cea9f3463ab50d7044 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1675-526X 2462-1986 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Universiti Malaya |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Modern Languages |
| spelling | doaj-art-89994e8b56e846cea9f3463ab50d70442025-01-04T18:58:47ZengUniversiti MalayaJournal of Modern Languages1675-526X2462-19862024-12-01342The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in ZimbabweClemenciana Mukenge0Department of Creative Media and Communication, University of Zimbabwe This study explores the utilization of WhatsApp abbreviations among university students in Zimbabwe and its implications for English language proficiency. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with 30 university students in Zimbabwe and Content Analysis of selected WhatsApp messages, this study investigates the nature, purpose, and implications of abbreviation usage on students’ language skills. The findings reveal that while abbreviations facilitate efficient communication and social cohesion, they also simplify language, reduce vocabulary development and grammatical accuracy, and blur the distinction between formal and informal communication, potentially eroding formal language skills, particularly for non-native English speakers. The study highlights the need for educators to implement a multifaceted approach, incorporating digital literacy, context-dependent language use, vocabulary and grammar development, linguistic flexibility awareness, and balanced communication practices to reconcile digital communication demands with linguistic efficacy goals. These findings have positive and negative implications on students’ overall language proficiency. The study’s limitations include using a relatively small sample (30 students) and focusing solely on WhatsApp abbreviations, excluding other social media platforms. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample and explore a broader range of social media platforms. https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/JML/article/view/54448Abbreviations, English Language Proficiency, Social Media, WhatsApp, Zimbabwe |
| spellingShingle | Clemenciana Mukenge The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe Journal of Modern Languages Abbreviations, English Language Proficiency, Social Media, WhatsApp, Zimbabwe |
| title | The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe |
| title_full | The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe |
| title_fullStr | The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe |
| title_full_unstemmed | The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe |
| title_short | The use of English abbreviations on WhatsApp amongst university students in Zimbabwe |
| title_sort | use of english abbreviations on whatsapp amongst university students in zimbabwe |
| topic | Abbreviations, English Language Proficiency, Social Media, WhatsApp, Zimbabwe |
| url | https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/JML/article/view/54448 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT clemencianamukenge theuseofenglishabbreviationsonwhatsappamongstuniversitystudentsinzimbabwe AT clemencianamukenge useofenglishabbreviationsonwhatsappamongstuniversitystudentsinzimbabwe |