Few studies have considered the micro-analysis of written laughter in the digital world in its sequential context (beyond frequency and distribution). The present study fills this gap by examining "transcribed" laughter "[Chinese symbols omitted](haha)" in Chinese conversations on WeChat from a conversation analytic…

Amid the growing interest in generative AI technologies like ChatGPT for educational purposes, this research seeks to better understand Chinese EFL learners' acceptance and usage of them for L2 writing purposes. This study conducts an investigation by establishing a structural equation model that incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)…

This study aimed to investigate the extent to which computer-assisted pronunciation (CAP) is influential in helping Hijazi students to develop their pronunciation of English vowels within a Saudi English as a foreign language (EFL) context. It also examined whether Saudi Hijazi learners taught English vowel sounds by CAP outperform those taught…

This paper explores the transformative potential of integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly ChatGPT, into second language (L2) writing pedagogy. The paper begins by examining the evolution of L2 writing pedagogy and highlighting the strengths and limitations of each. It then discusses the integration of…

The research study explored online language learners' self-directed language learning (SDLL) experiences, benefits, motivations, and challenges when employing educational tools like Duolingo in an out of classroom context. To gain insights into SDLL, in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 10 Duolingo users were conducted. Study results…

ChatGPT, a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot capable of providing personalised responses to users' inquiries, recently has had a substantial impact on education. Many studies have explored the use of ChatGPT in English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL) education since its release on 30 November…

Technological advances have made the ability to translate no longer exclusively belong to humans. Today, machine translation has turned into a tool with superior performance to convert text between languages without the need for human intervention. One of the translation research foci is the studies of causative translation, especially from…

Despite its importance for their academic achievement, many English Language majors find syntax a challenging subject matter, causing many syntactic inadequacies in their oral and written examinations. Tree diagrams have been used in syntactic analysis because of their distinct advantages in syntactic representation and organization.…

This research used qualitative netnography to examine the use of Duolingo German discussion boards among users of varying levels of engagement. The sample contained six participants of various levels of engagement. The criteria for selecting participants were based on usage counts in the discussion board community. This study aimed to examine…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest growing technologies today. Its extraordinary scope and capabilities have led people of all ages and abilities to employ it in many of their activities. Language learning is a lifetime experience that could benefit from the use of AI and thus it is worth exploring people's awareness of this…

In this article, we highlight the important achievements of the editors and contributors in this special issue. We argue that this collection of studies on individual differences (IDs) advances the field in terms of theoretical diversification, methodological improvement, and pedagogical innovation. We also contend that a renewed interest in ID…

This study investigated the development of syntactic complexity in second language (L2) learner essays, focusing on how key syntactic features evolve as L2 learners practice writing through the use of an automated written corrective feedback (AWCF) tool. Using a corpus of essays written across three writing sessions, five indices of syntactic…

Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) has significantly reshaped our understanding of second language learning and teaching across the micro, meso, and macro levels for several decades since its systematic introduction by Larsen-Freeman and Cameron (2008). This study conducts a comprehensive review of empirical research on second language learning…

This article introduces a set of teaching strategies to enhance second language learning for students with Down syndrome (DS) enrolled in an English course covering material from the first two years of primary school. A set of instructional support strategies has been defined and integrated into an online learning software, developed ad hoc to…

High frequency words, which are key to a text, must be mastered to achieve minimum levels of reading proficiency. However, knowledge about the frequency of items in a language is very limited. Given this consideration, WordSift (www.wordsift.org), a word cloud tool based on high frequency and key words can assist English as a Foreign Language…