The influence of the cultural and linguistic orientations of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students on their responses to literatures on the internet

Responding to the call for research to investigate the technological, linguistic and socio-cultural aspects pertaining to the use of the internet in the EFL classroom, this chapter seeks to report on the research that shows how Omani students studying at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) view their interaction with the internet while responding to it as a means of communication and as a source of authentic materials and literatures written in English. The chapter provides insights into the socio-cultural views of these students towards the web: its relevance to their lives, personal and academic needs, cultural values, attributes and traditions. It also provides a review of literature that elucidates the challenges facing those who intend to use the internet in instruction and education and focuses on three main divides: the digital, the linguistic and the content.