English Usage In Social Media By The Face-Bookers: An Explorative Analysis

Abstract

Facebook users interact on a variety of purposes in a natural conversational way. They can use written texts. This study explores the language comments by the face bookers on the Facebook accounts. The data were taken purposively based on the criteria such as the comments are in English on Facebook account. The data were taken in two-week period and analyzed using content analysis. Firstly, they were presented on tables from week 1 and week 2, then coded based on the themes using semantic meaning basis. Based on the coding and theming, the inferences were conducted. It was found that in the first period, among 41 comments, they were categorized into three purposes such as expressing (1) congratulations and positive responses, (2) interaction or plans, and (3) general positive comments. In the second period, there were 30 comments and they were categorized into four purposes such as expressing (1) congratulations and positive responses, (2) appreciation and admiration, (3) gratitude and thanks, and (4) best wishes. It can be implied that for teaching purposes for the students of non-English speakers, better for them to be taught by making them familiar to the face bookers’ language for commencing.