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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 15. Number 4, December 2024 Pp.364- 376
English Language Teaching Department, Faculty of Education,
Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
Department of English Language Teaching, College of Education,
Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
Mobile-assisted language learning technologies, such as WhatsApp, have gained scholarly attention for their capacity to facilitate language acquisition through flexible and interactive digital platforms. This study investigates the effectiveness of WhatsApp as a medium for vocabulary instruction among Kurdish EFL learners, focusing on its impact on vocabulary development, learner attitudes, and potential differences in outcomes based on gender. The research design involved a sample of 60 Kurdish EFL learners divided into two equal groups: an experimental group that used WhatsApp to receive vocabulary instruction and a control group that received traditional classroom instruction. The study results indicate that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on vocabulary tests, suggesting that WhatsApp can be an effective tool for teaching vocabulary to Kurdish EFL learners. Additionally, the results showed that using WhatsApp improved the learners’ motivation and engagement in vocabulary learning. This research underscores WhatsApp’s potential to enhance vocabulary acquisition in EFL contexts, highlighting its functionality and learner appeal.
Barzani, S. H. H., & Omar, F. R. (2024). WhatsApp-Mediated Vocabulary Learning: A Study of Kurdish EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal, 15(4): 364- 376.
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Dr. Sami Hussein Hakeem Barzani is a lecturer at Tishk International University, Faculty of Education, English Language Teaching Department. He obtained his Ph.D. (ELT) from Cyprus International University, TRNC, Turkey. His research interests include pragmatics, second language acquisition, error analysis, intercultural communication, sociolinguistics, and teaching English through literature. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3333-064X
Dr. Fouad Rashid Omar is a Lecturer at Knowledge University, College of Education, English Language Teaching Department. His research interests center on Second Language Acquisition, Applied Linguistics, Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Language Learning and Teaching. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8973-4523