Online Socialisation and English Language Acquisition among International Students

Abstract

This study explores the socio-linguistic adaptation by Francophone African students in Nigerian universities, focusing on informal English language acquisition through online socialisation. It examines the dynamics, challenges, and preferences involved in adapting to multi-linguistic environments and aims to offer strategic suggestions for effective informal language learning in such contexts. Quantitative survey type was adopted for the study.  A self-administered questionnaire was used in the study to gather primary data from participants who are currently International Students from French-Speaking countries studying in Nigeria Universities using multistage sampling procedure. Four research questions were answered and four hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance using a validated instrument titled Cross-Cultural Language Acquisition Survey (CCLAS; r=0.92). Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics of t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed no gender bias; international students adapted well to informal online language socialisation and acquisition. It was recommended among others that host universities should implement a multidisciplinary strategy that incorporates language acquisition through online socialisation.