JOURNAL ARTICLE

Online Fan Practices and Informal Language Learning: A Lexical Bundle Analysis of YouTube Comments from BTS Videos.

  • Published In: CALICO Journal, 2024, v. 41, n. 1. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Haeun Kim; Chapelle, Carol A.; Sollier, Noëmie M. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the frequent language patterns, specifically lexical bundles—high-frequency word sequences—in YouTube comments from fans of BTS, a South Korean boy band, to understand the informal English language exposure available to English language learners (ELLs) in online fan communities. Analyzing a corpus of 8,000 most-liked comments from BTS music/performance and fan-edited "crack" videos, the study found that the lexical bundles structurally resemble spoken conversation, with many expressing interpersonal meanings such as positive appraisal and stance-taking related to BTS and fan identity. The findings suggest that engagement with such online fandom language offers ELLs meaningful, authentic exposure to English that could be leveraged in classroom "bridging activities" to connect informal digital language use with formal learning. This research contributes to understanding the linguistic characteristics of social media language exposure and its potential role in informal second language acquisition.

Additional Information

  • Source:CALICO Journal. 2024/01, Vol. 41, Issue 1, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Arts and Entertainment
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:07427778
  • DOI:10.1558/cj.25577
  • Accession Number:175385815
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