The Use of China-based Social Media to Enhance English Speaking Skills in Chinese Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

As English speaking skills become increasingly vital in academic and professional spheres, educators are exploring innovative approaches to language learning and experimenting with integrating social media into speaking learning in higher education. Of course, this shift also presents challenges for both educators and learners. With China's unique technological landscape and a burgeoning population of English learners, understanding the dynamics of utilizing China-based social media for enhancing speaking skills is crucial. However, notable research gap is identified concerning the use of China-based social media for the enhancement of English speaking skills among Chinese university students. Therefore, this review offering a comprehensive exploration of the utilization of China-based social media for the development of English speaking skills within the context of Chinese higher education. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to ensure a rigorous and methodical analysis. By extracting and analyzing 22 relevant articles from 2017 to 2023 through the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), this review extensively examines the influencing factors of social media acceptance, the improvement of speaking skills, and the effectiveness of social media use. Based on the findings, the study concludes with implications for educators and recommendations for further research on the use of social media to improve speaking skills.