SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MULTIMODAL LANGUAGE LEARNING SPACE

The rapid expansion of social media has transformed the landscape of language learning by creating interactive, multimodal environments where learners engage with text, images, videos, audio, emojis, and other semiotic resources simultaneously. This study explores how social media platforms function as multimodal spaces that facilitate language learning. Using a qualitative review of learner interactions and existing literature, the study investigates how multimodal features of social media contribute to vocabulary development, communicative competence, and learner engagement. The findings suggest that social media supports authentic communication, collaborative learning, and exposure to diverse linguistic resources. However, challenges such as distraction, informal language use, and digital literacy remain significant considerations. The study highlights the pedagogical potential of integrating social media into language learning while emphasizing the need for structured guidance from educators.