Learners’ use of Communication Strategies in an Online Discussion via Facebook

This study investigates how learners compensate for their insufficient linguistic repertoire and enhance their online discussion (OLD) via the use of communication strategies (CS) in Facebook groups. Using a purposive sampling procedure, a group comprising 28 learners taking a communication course at a public university participated in the study. Ten voluntary learners were sample within the case for a more in-depth investigation of the phenomenon. Data were derived from threaded OLD, interviews, retrospective sessions and reflective journals. Thematic analysis revealed learners’ employment of an array of CS when completing the task which includes direct, digital media, paralinguistic and interactional strategies.