Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 14. Number 3 September 2023                                       Pp. 445-461
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no3.29

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The Acceptance of TikTok as a Tool in English Language Learning among University
Students

 Nor Eleyana Abdullah1, Faizah Mohamad2, *Mafarhanatul Akmal Ahmad Kamal3,
Ilham Alia Mat Isa4
1,2,3,4Academy of Language Studies
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Corresponding author: mafarhanatulakmal@uitm.edu.my

 

Received:03/18/2023         Accepted:09/08/2023                 Published: 09/24/2023

Abstract:
TikTok is considered a potential tool for enhancing the development of students’ language skills and proficiency. However, research on the extent of students’ acceptance of using it as a language learning tool is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level of acceptance of TikTok in English language learning and the factors contributing to the actual use of TikTok among undergraduate students in Malaysia. This study employed quantitative research methodology by disseminating a 32-item questionnaire to 200 undergraduate students at a public Malaysian university via a Google Form link. Sections A, B, C, D, E, and F of the questionnaire sought responses on the demographic profile, perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitudes, behavioural intention, and actual use of TikTok in English language acquisition, respectively. The findings revealed that the average scores for the individual items and the overall scores for each component being studied were within the range of 3 to 4.1 on a 5-point Likert scale. This result indicated that the student’s level of acceptance was above average. Students’ behavioural intentions were also found to be the most significant factor in determining whether or not TikTok was used for English language instruction. Students acknowledged the use of TikTok in English language learning, suggesting that it could be used as a pedagogical instrument in English language classrooms. Consequently, the findings highlight TikTok’s potential as a language learning tool in English language courses, as it strengthens educational platforms and enhances instruction by giving students more ways to learn languages.
Keywords: acceptance, English language learning, Technology Acceptance Model, TikTok

Cite as: Nor Eleyana Abdullah, Faizah Mohamad, Mafarhanatul Akmal Ahmad Kamal, & Ilham Alia Mat Isa. (2023). The acceptance of TikTok as a tool in English language learning among university students. Arab World English Journal, 14 (3) 445-461.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no3.29

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Received: 03/18/2023
Accepted: 09/08/2023 
Published: 09/24/2023
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6019-8827
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no3.29 

Nor Eleyana Abdullah is a lecturer from the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam. She has been teaching at UiTM for 8 years. Her area of interests includes Discourse Analysis, Genre Analysis, Language Teaching and Learning, Sociolinguistics, and Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL).
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6019-8827

 Faizah Mohamad, Ph.D., is an associate professor and senior lecturer at the Academy of Language Studies at UniversitiTeknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia. Her research is situated in the field of technology-enhanced learning, ICT in education, e-learning in higher education, and online educationORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3029-6132

 Mafarhanatul Akmal Ahmad Kamal is a lecturer at the Academy of Language Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in English Language Studies specialising in Applied Linguistics and her research interests include Applied linguistics, English Language Studies, psycholinguistics, bilingualism, and eye tracking. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9216-478X

 Ilham Alia Mat Isa is currently a lecturer servicing at the Academy of Language Studies (APB), UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia. Her research interests are mainly related to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).  ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9216-478X