Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
skip to main content
research-article

Mobile-assisted language learning and pronunciation instruction: A systematic literature review

Published: 07 February 2024 Publication History

Abstract

In recent years, learners worldwide have expressed increasing interest in mobile learning and the utilization of mobile devices for language learning purposes. However, few research synthesis studies have focused on pronunciation development in relation to employing MALL (mobile-assisted language learning). This review article contributes to the discourse on how mobile learning aids in acquiring and practicing EFL (English as a foreign language) pronunciation since it is this language system that is both a crucial and frequently neglected aspect of English language learning. With the emergence of e-generation, it is necessary to investigate the influence of MALL on pronunciation acquisition. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the findings of 15 empirical studies published between 2015 and 2022, which is based on PRISMA 2020. The aim of the review is threefold: to investigate the effect of mobile devices on L2 learners’ pronunciation performance, examine learners’ attitudes toward employing mobile learning for pronunciation practice and development, and identify which mobile devices and apps are present in the process. The results indicate that overall, mobile learning exerts a beneficial impact on L2 pronunciation and that participants in the reviewed studies demonstrate positive attitudes toward MALL. Moreover, smartphones appear to be at the center of attention as the primary mobile device, and it was revealed that a variety of mobile apps and platforms have been employed in the studies. The article concludes with pedagogical implications and recommendations for potential research exploration in the future.

References

[1]
Almasri A New mobile learning process model for higher education students in Jordanian Universities Asian Journal of Information Technology 2016 15 2 2016-2022
[2]
Akkara S, Anumula VSS, and Mallampalli MS Impact of WhatsApp interaction on improving L2 speaking skills International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning 2020 15 3 250-259
[3]
Al-Rahmi AM, Al-Rahmi WM, Alturki U, Aldraiweesh A, Almutairy S, and Al-Adwan AS Exploring the factors affecting mobile learning for sustainability in higher education Sustainability 2021 13 14 1-22
[4]
Alsharafat M A theoretical discussion of factors affecting the acceptance of m-learning by integrating is success model with TAM model Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology 2021 99 17 4213-4259
[5]
Amalia I The application of mobile assisted language learning (Mall) in teaching pronunciation International Journal of Language Education and Cultural Review 2020 6 2 194-203
[6]
Arashnia M and Shahrokhi M Mobile assisted language learning: English pronunciation among Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research 2016 3 4 149-162
[7]
Aratusa Z, Suriaman A, Darmawan D, Marhum R, Rofiqoh R, and Nurdin N Students’ perceptions on the use of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in learning pronunciation International Journal of Current Science Research and Review 2022 5 7 2652-2660
[8]
Arvantis P and Krystalli P Mobile assisted language learning (MALL): Trends from 2010 to 2020 using text analysis techniques European Journal of Education 2021 4 1 13-22
[9]
Asabere NY Benefits and challenges of mobile learning implementation: Story of developing nations International Journal of Computer Applications 2013 73 1 23-27
[10]
Bajorek J L2 pronunciation in CALL: The unrealized potential of Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, Babbel, and Mango languages Issues and Trends in Educational Technology 2017 5 1 60-87
[11]
Bensalem, E. (2018). The impact of WhatsApp on EFL students' vocabulary learning. Arab World English Journal, 9(1).
[12]
Bidin S and Ziden AA Adoption and application of mobile learning in the education industry Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 2013 90 720-729
[13]
Bieńkowska I, Klimczok A, Polok K, and Modrzejewska J Use of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in teaching vocabulary to ESP students The International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 2021 12 3 81-95
[14]
Botero G, Cincinnato Q, He T, and Zhu C Acceptance and usage of mobile assisted language learning by higher education students Journal of Computing in Higher Education 2018 30 426-451
[15]
Chen K Speech-to-text recognition in University English as a foreign language learning Education and Information Technologies 2022 27 9857-9875
[16]
Cerezo R, Calderón V, and Romero C A holographic mobile-based application for practicing pronunciation of basic English vocabulary for Spanish speaking children International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 2019 124 13-25
[17]
Chandhok S and Babbar P M-learning in distance education libraries: A case scenario of Indira Gandhi national open university The Electronic Library 2011 29 5 637-650
[18]
Chen Q and Yan Z Does multitasking with mobile phones affect learning? A review Computers in Human Behavior 2016 54 34-42
[19]
Colpaert J Pedagogy-driven design for online language teaching and learning CALICO Journal 2006 23 3 477-497
[20]
Cook J Mobile phones as mediating tools within augmented contexts for development International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning 2010 2 3 1-12
[21]
Dağdeler K, Konca M, and Demiröz H The effect of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) on EFL learners’ collocation learning Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies 2020 16 1 489-509
[22]
Dashtestani R Moving bravely towards mobile learning: Iranian students’ use of mobile devices for learning English as a foreign language Computer Assisted Language Learning 2016 29 4 815-832
[23]
Fouz-Gonzáles, J. (2020). Using apps for pronunciation training: An empirical evaluation of the English File Pronunciation app. Language Learning & Technology,24(1), 62–85. https://hdl.handle.net/10125/44709
[24]
Fulantelli G, Taibi D, and Arrigo M A framework to support educational decision making in mobile learning Computers in Human Behavior 2015 47 50-59
[25]
Ghorbani N and Ebadi S Exploring learners’ grammatical development in mobile assisted language learning Cogent Education 2020 7 1 1-14
[26]
Ghounane, N. (2019). The attitudes of second year EFL students at Dr Moulay Tahar University towards learning English pronunciation through mobile assisted language. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL, (5), 110–123.
[27]
Ghounane N and Rabahi H The use of computer assisted pronunciation training in teaching English pronunciation for first-year EFL students at Saida University International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature 2021 10 6 76-83
[28]
Grimshaw, J., & Cardoso, W. (2018). Activate space rats! Fluency development in a mobile game-assisted environment. Language Learning & Technology,22(3), 159–175. https://hdl.handle.net/10125/44662
[29]
Gurova T, Riabukha T, Zinenko N, and Gostishcheva N Mobile learning in developing phonetic competence of future interpreters Advanced Education 2020 14 66-74
[30]
Heil CR, Wu JS, Lee JJ, and Schmidt T A review of mobile language learning applications: Trends, challenges, and opportunities The EuroCALL Review 2016 24 2 32-50
[31]
Henderson A, Frost D, Tergujeff E, Kautzsch A, Murphy D, Kirkova-Naskova A, Waniek-Klimczak E, Levey D, Cunnigham U, and Curnick L The English pronunciation teaching in Europe survey: Selected results Research in Language 2012 10 1 5-27
[32]
Hockly N and Dudeney G Current and future digital trends in ELT Relc Journal 2018 49 2 164-178
[33]
Horvath J, Mundinger C, Schmitgen MM, Wolf ND, Sambataro F, Hirjak D, Kubera KM, Koenig J, and Christian Wolf R Structural and functional correlates of smartphone addiction Addictive Behaviors 2020 105 106334-106337
[34]
Hossain, M., 2018. Exploiting smartphones and apps for language learning: a case study with the EFL learners in a Bangladeshi university. Review of Public Administration Management, 6(1).
[35]
Hugar, J. G. (2019). Scientific publications of Goa University as reflected in web of science database during 2008–2017 (August 1, 2019). Available at SSRN:
[36]
Inceoglu S, Lim H, and Chen W ASR for EFL pronunciation practice: segmental development and learners’ beliefs The Journal of Asia TEFL 2020 17 3 824-840
[37]
Jiang, M. Y.-C., Jong, M. S.-Y., Lau, W. W.-F., Chai, C.-S., & Wu, N. (2022). Exploring the effects of automatic speech recognition technology on oral accuracy and fluency in a flipped classroom. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 1–16.
[38]
Jing X Application of mobile learning system in phonetics teaching International conference on Education, E-business, E-management and E-learning - IC4E 2017 17 19-23
[39]
Kan, Q., & Tang, J. (2020). Researching mobile-assisted English language learning among adult distance learners in China: Emerging practices and learner perception of teacher role. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, 8(3).
[40]
Karimi S Do learners’ characteristics matter? An exploration of mobile-learning adoption in self-directed learning Computers in Human Behavior 2016 63 769-776
[41]
Karsenti T, Fievez A, Collin S, Simard S, Dumouchel G, Giroux P, Rasmy A, Morin M, Dupuis A, Boily A, and Roy N L'iPad à l'école: usages, avantages et défis. Résultats d'une enquête auprès de 6057 élèves et 302 enseignants du Québec (Canada) 2013 CRIFPE
[42]
Kaiser D Mobile-assisted pronunciation training: The iPhone pronunciation app project IATEFL Pronunciation Special Interest Group Journal 2018 58 38-52
[43]
Kassem M The effect of a suggested in-service teacher training program based on MALL applications on developing efl students' vocabulary acquisition Journal of Language Teaching and Research 2018 9 2 250-260
[44]
Kashanizadeh I and Shahrokhi M The use of mobile to boost Iranian EFL learners’ grammar knowledge: the case of grammar learning application in focus Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research 2021 8 1 1-10
[45]
Khalil, S. M. (2022). Effectiveness of mobile learning in enhancing Saudi English majors’ skills in learning vowels. Arab World English Journal, 13(4), 281–291.
[46]
Khodabandeh, F., Alian, J., & Soleimani, H. (2017). The effect of mall-based task on EFL learners' grammar learning. Teaching English with Technology, 17(2), 29–41.
[47]
Kim D, Chun H, and Lee H Determining the factors that influence college students’ adoption of smartphones Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology 2014 65 3 578-588
[48]
Kim H and Kwon Y Exploring smartphone applications for effective mobile-assisted language learning Multimedia-Assisted Language Learning 2012 15 1 31-57
[49]
Klimova B Impact of mobile learning on students’ achievement results Education Sciences 2019 9 2 90
[50]
Kukulska-Hulme A Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers 2005 Psychology Press
[51]
Kukulska-Hulme A Will mobile learning change language learning? ReCALL 2009 21 2 157-165
[52]
Kukulska-Hulme A Chapelle C Mobile-assisted language learning The encyclopedia of applied linguistics 2013 Wiley 3701-3709
[53]
Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271–289.
[54]
Kumar BA and Chand SS Mobile learning adoption: A systematic review Education and Information Technologies 2019 24 471-487
[55]
Kumar BA and Goundar MS Developing mobile language learning applications: A systematic literature review Education and Information Technologies 2023 28 5651-5671
[56]
Kumar BA and Sharma B Context aware mobile learning application development: A systematic literature review Education and Information Technologies 2020 25 2221-2239
[57]
Lan E A comparative study of computer and mobile-assisted pronunciation training: The case of university students in Taiwan Education and Information Technologies 2022 27 1559-1583
[58]
Metruk R EFL learners’ perspectives on the use of smartphones in higher education settings in Slovakia The Electronic Journal of e-Learning 2020 18 6 537-549
[59]
Metruk, R. (2022). Smartphone English language learning challenges: a systematic literature review. SAGE Open, 12(1).
[60]
Mindog E Apps and EFL: A case study on the use of smartphone apps to learn English by four Japanese students The JALT CALL Journal 2016 12 1 3-22
[61]
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. (2009). The PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Med, 6(7).
[62]
Nadia B The effects of explicit pronunciation instruction on the comprehensibility and intelligibility of Tunisian EFL learners International Journal of Research Studies in Language Learning 2017 6 3 73-88
[63]
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ
[64]
Pardede P Improving EFL students’ English pronunciation by using the explicit teaching approach Journal of English Teaching 2018 4 3 143-155
[65]
Perwita T, Asmana C, and Arifani Y Mobile-assisted language learning based using scientific approach to improve students vocabulary Journal of English Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics 2021 4 1 43-51
[66]
Retnomurti A, Hendrawaty N, and Tiwiyanti L Development of android-based protadroid application in pronunciation practice learning for undergraduate students English Review: Journal of English Education 2019 7 2 67-76
[67]
Rozina A, Shima T, Shah M, Rahmah L, and Hafiza A Mobile assisted language learning (mall) in developing second language learners’ understanding of grammar Journal of Academia UiTM Negeri Sembilan 2017 5 1 187-208
[68]
Ruggieri R, Pecoraro F, and Luzi D An intersectional approach to analyse gender productivity and open access: A bibliometric analysis of the Italian National Research Council Scientometrics 2021 126 1647-1673
[69]
Sabahi A and Rabbani Yekta R Enhancing the accuracy of the use of verb tenses by Iranian intermediate EFL students through Mall: The case of English grammar ultimate software app Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Translation Studies 2019 4 1 89-104
[70]
Saidouni, K., & Bahloul, A. (2016). Teachers and students’ attitudes towards using mobile-assisted language learning in higher education. Arab World English Journal, Special Issue on CALL, (3).
[71]
Saran M, Seferoglu G, and Cagiltay K Mobile assisted language learning: English pronunciation at learners' fingertips Egitim Arastirmalari-Eurasian Journal of Educational Research 2009 34 97-114
[72]
Seyedabadi S, Fatemi A, and Pishghadam R Towards better teaching of pronunciation: Review of literature in the area Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences 2015 6 4 76-81
[73]
Schardt C, Adams MB, Owens T, Keitz S, and Fontelo P Utilization of the PICO framework to improve searching PubMed for clinical questions BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 2007 7 1 1-6
[74]
Schuler C, Winters N, and West M The future of mobile learning: Implications for policy makers and planners 2012 UNESCO
[75]
Shahbaz M and Khan R Use of mobile immersion in foreign language teaching to enhance target language vocabulary learning MIER Journal of Educational Studies Trends and Practices 2017 7 1 66-82
[76]
Shirmardi F, Roohani A, and Jam B Effect of mobile game-based instruction on Iranian EFL learners’ pronunciation: exploring their motivational perception Interdisciplinary Studies in English Language Teaching 2021 1 1 181-198
[77]
Stockwell G Using mobile phones for vocabulary activities: Examining the effect of the platform Language Learning & Technology 2010 14 2 95-110
[78]
Tejedor-García C, Escudero-Mancebo D, Cardeñoso-Payo V, and González-Ferreras C Using challenges to enhance a learning game for pronunciation training of English as a second language IEEE Access 2020 8 74250-74266
[79]
Tra P Mobile-assisted language learning in a university context in Vietnam: Students’ attitudes VNU Journal of Foreign Studies 2020 36 1 103-116
[80]
Traxler, J. M., & Crompton, H. (2015). Mobile learning. Encyclopedia of mobile phone behaviorIGI Global, 506–518
[81]
Walesiak B Mobile pron. apps: A personal investigation. Speak Out! Journal of the IATEFL Pronunciation Special Interest Group 2017 57 16-28
[82]
Yang, L. (2022). Student engagement with teacher feedback in pronunciation training supported by a mobile multimedia application. SAGE Open, 12(2). 
[83]
Yurieva O, Musiichuk T, and Baisan D Informal English learning with online digital tools: Non-linguist students Advanced Education 2021 8 17 90-102
[84]
Zaki A and Yunus M Potential of mobile learning in teaching of ESL academic writing English Language Teaching 2015 8 6 11-19

Recommendations

Comments

Information & Contributors

Information

Published In

cover image Education and Information Technologies
Education and Information Technologies  Volume 29, Issue 13
Sep 2024
1539 pages

Publisher

Kluwer Academic Publishers

United States

Publication History

Published: 07 February 2024
Accepted: 10 January 2024
Received: 30 June 2023

Author Tags

  1. m-learning
  2. Mobile language learning
  3. Smartphone-assisted language learning
  4. MALL
  5. Pronunciation learning and acquisition

Qualifiers

  • Research-article

Funding Sources

  • CVTI
  • Žilina University in Žilina

Contributors

Other Metrics

Bibliometrics & Citations

Bibliometrics

Article Metrics

  • 0
    Total Citations
  • 0
    Total Downloads
  • Downloads (Last 12 months)0
  • Downloads (Last 6 weeks)0
Reflects downloads up to 01 Feb 2025

Other Metrics

Citations

View Options

View options

Figures

Tables

Media

Share

Share

Share this Publication link

Share on social media