What’s up with WhatsApp? A Critical Analysis of Mobile Instant Messaging Research in Language Learning

Year 2019, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 352 - 365, 13.12.2019

Galip Kartal

https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.599138

Cited By: 9

Abstract

This paper is devoted to exploring the way how the mobile
instant messaging WhatsApp is deployed to enhance the learning of a second or
foreign language. Therefore, this study set out to investigate the empirical
studies related to WhatsApp and language learning published in peer-reviewed
journals. Thirty-seven studies were selected after a four-phase article
identification procedure and a systematic review was conducted to investigate the
effectiveness of WhatsApp on language learning. The analysis focused on the
keywords, sample sizes, participants, data sets, duration, and language
learning benefits of the studies. The results have shown that WhatsApp has been
used diversely in language learning. The studies found evidence that WhatsApp
can be used to improve the four language skills (i.e. reading, listening,
writing, and speaking), integrated language skills, and vocabulary. Moreover,
WhatsApp was found to be effective in increasing motivation and language
attitudes, fostering learner autonomy, increasing interaction, and lowering
language anxiety. The study also provided future research directions and recommendations
for practice concerning how to appropriately employ mobile instant messaging in
language learning.

Keywords

WhatsApp, Mobile instant messaging, Mobile phones, Language learning, EFL

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