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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Volume 17. Number 12. July 2026 Pp.40 -58
The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms has transformed patterns of language exposure and language learning worldwide. Social media environments increasingly expose users to contemporary linguistic expressions associated with African American Vernacular English and other forms of digital communication. This study aimed to examine familiarity with expressions associated with African American Vernacular English and digital language practices among students and professors in higher education in Kosovo. The significance of the study lies in addressing the limited research on digital language practices and sociolinguistic awareness in English as a Foreign Language contexts within Balkan higher education settings. A quantitative survey design was employed involving 42 participants from the University for Business and Technology in Kosovo. The study examined patterns of social media exposure, familiarity with selected linguistic expressions, awareness of their origins, and attitudes toward their use in academic environments. Findings indicated that students demonstrated greater familiarity with such expressions than professors, suggesting generational differences in digital language exposure. Results also showed that social media platforms, particularly TikTok, function as important environments for informal language exposure and vocabulary development. However, participants demonstrated limited awareness regarding the sociocultural origins of many expressions. The findings suggest the importance of developing sociolinguistic and digital language awareness in educational contexts to support informed language use.
Sefiu, R & Thaqi-Jashari, L (2026). Digital Language Awareness and AAVE-Related Expressions in Higher Education in Kosovo. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL 17. (12) 40-58.
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Rina Sefiu is a Lecturer at UBT College, Kosovo, where she teaches courses in English Language, Translation, and Creative Writing. She is currently pursuing a PhD in English Language and Literature at South East European University. Her research interests include digital language practices, English language teaching, assessment in higher education, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and technology-enhanced language learning. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2917-3894
Lisjeta Thaqi Jashari is a lecturer and researcher at UBT – Higher Education Institution, Kosovo. Her research focuses on English language pedagogy, applied linguistics and the integration of multimedia tools in EFL learning. She has published and presented in national and international forums on innovative teaching methods. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6876-919X