Chatting On-line: An Assessment of Bilingualism and The Social Contexts of Language in Lebanon

Abstract

This study aims to explore the Lebanese sociolinguistics as manifested in chatting, that is, to assess how a sample of Lebanese students use their languages skills while carrying an on-line conversation via chatting. The research will also investigate the variations governed by sociolinguistics branding the Lebanese chatting community. To carry out this study, a mix approach of quantitative and qualitative methodology is used. Indeed, the research will describe the participants’ computer literacy and how this is interrelated to the choice of chatting language. The researcher uses two methods, formal interviews with selected chatters and a survey questionnaire that reflects both linguistic issues and computer and chatting literacy. Data analysis uses SPSS version 25 software and performed descriptively. Findings show that although having a multilingual society is considered a positive and uplifting certitude, this fact should not be taken for granted and languages must be directed properly. Students cannot be left without guidance to the use of any language.