Exploring the Use of Social Media in Informal Arabic Language Learning Among Muslim Youth in Ogun State

The proliferation of digital communication platforms has created new informal learning spaces for language acquisition, and Muslim youth in southwestern Nigeria are increasingly turning to social media to supplement formal Arabic instruction or pursue Arabic learning independently. This study explores how Muslim youth in Ogun State use social media platforms including WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok for informal Arabic language learning, examining the types of content accessed, learning strategies employed, and self-perceived learning outcomes. Using a mixed-methods design, the research administers questionnaires to 200 Muslim secondary school and university students in Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode, supplemented by in-depth interviews with 20 self-directed Arabic learners who use social media as their primary Arabic input source. Content analysis of the digital resources participants most frequently access is conducted alongside the survey data. Findings reveal that short instructional videos, Quranic recitation channels, and Arabic grammar explanation reels are the most frequently consumed content types. Self-directed learners demonstrate impressive receptive vocabulary gains but limited productive competence, reflecting the predominantly passive nature of social media consumption. The study recommends that formal Arabic programmes incorporate digital literacy and guided social media use as complementary learning strategies. Keywords: Social media, informal Arabic learning, Muslim youth, Ogun State, digital language acquisition.