An expanding literature has explored the impact of second language (L2) self-concept on language achievement and motivation. This review adopts a psychological lens to examine L2 self-concept, beginning with an outline of prominent theoretical frameworks: situated expectancy-value theory; Shavelson et al.'s (1976) hierarchical, multidimensional…

Background/purpose: This study provides a comparative review of mobile applications and traditional classroom methods in English vocabulary acquisition. It explores whether mobile-assisted vocabulary learning (MAVL) results in better retention, engagement, and productive vocabulary use among ESL learners. The study also aims to identify underlying…

This paper examined two poems: 'Winter' by Anne Hunter and 'Against Winter' by Charles Simic from a stylistic perspective. It conducted a stylistic analysis to elucidate how the poets' intended meanings are constructed in an effective manner through the principles of 'foregrounding': linguistic deviation, linguistic parallelism, and informality,…

A systematic review examining the efficacy of commercially available foreign language-learning apps (FLL) was completed. A database search of ERIC, PsychINFO, and LearnTechLib produced 1,786 journal articles. After applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria based on Burston's seminal study (2015) requiring a minimum number of 10…

This best-evidence synthesis appraises the design and outcome characteristics of vocabulary intervention studies conducted with preschool through 6th grade emergent bilingual (EB) children and spotlights rigorously designed studies for which effects could be better attributed to instructional features. Twenty-nine selected studies were analysed…

Research on pragmatic competence involving various approaches has received increasing attention since 1980 when interlanguage pragmatics began to flourish. The aim of this systematic review was to examine and categorize contemporary studies on pragmatic competence of EFL and ESL students and to reveal potential moderators, compare results of…

Learning to read marks an important milestone in children. Extensive research with monolingual and bilingual children has demonstrated that language comprehension (LC) forms fundamental building blocks for reading comprehension (RC). However, mixed findings are reported among studies that compare readings skills in children with and without…

Background: Bilingualism is widespread and being bilingual is more common than being monolingual. The lifelong practice bilinguals receive from managing two languages seems to lead to a cognitive benefit. Conversely, bilingualism seems to affect language ability negatively due to less use of each known language. Aims: This systematic review aims…

In EFL countries where English is rarely practiced outside the classroom, textbooks have become the major input source for learners. Particularly in Vietnam, multiple textbook series are available simultaneously for the same grade. Thus, it is important to examine if their vocabulary is appropriate and of similar difficulty. This study aims to…

Studies on automatic scoring systems in writing assessments have also evaluated the relationship between human and machine scores for the reliability of automated essay scoring systems. This study investigated the magnitudes of indices for inter-rater agreement and discrepancy, especially regarding human and machine scoring, in writing assessment.…

The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate quantitative experimental mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) studies published between 1994 and 2019 that meet minimal conditions of research design and statistical analysis. Starting with a bibliographical database of 1,144 references to experimental MALL implementations, of which there…

Glossing is a widely used and examined vocabulary learning tool, and one of the major branches of glossing research has compared the relative effects of first language (L1) and second language (L2) glosses on reading comprehension and vocabulary learning. However, the findings in this literature have not been consistent, calling for a…

The current mixed-methods study aimed at incorporating a virtual reality (VR) tool (i.e. Google Expeditions) into the writing process of Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, examining its impact on their writing motivation and performance. To that end, 42 EFL learners were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups,…

Comparing language tests and test preparation materials holds important implications for the latter's validity and reliability. However, not enough studies compare such materials across a wide range of indices. Therefore, this study investigated the text complexity of IELTS academic reading tests (IRT) and IELTS reading practice tests (IRPrT).…

Ascertaining the value of a study abroad experience on facilitating language development has long been a goal of Second Language Acquisition scholars. There is currently a plethora of studies regarding the topic, yet, despite this, the evidence remains inconclusive and contradictory. This systematic review evaluates the impact of study abroad…