Multilingualism And Multiliteracy In Online Communication: A Study Of Language Use In Global Virtual Spaces

Abstract

This study examines the dynamic situation in Saudi Arabia, as well as the broader issue of language usage in online communities throughout the globe. This research uses several statistical approaches, including descriptive statistics, Chi-Square analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and factor analysis, to investigate how languages have evolved in the information age. Our findings reveal a wide range of ages, genders, and educational attainment among Saudi Arabia's online population. Researchers found just a marginal difference in language patterns between the sexes, suggesting a gender-neutral setting in which people of both sexes freely express their linguistic versatility. According to the results, age is a significant factor. In line with the pliable nature of language use in the contemporary digital era, the study found that persons under the age of 30 were more inclined to engage in multilingual activities and code-switch. Those who have completed at least a bachelor's degree program were also shown to be more likely to communicate online in more than one language. This finding provides insight into how a person's college experience might influence their language patterns. Indicative of the fluid and ever-changing character of language use online, the prevalence of online dialogue emerged as a crucial marker.