Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL): Trends from 2010 to 2020 Using Text Analysis Techniques

Abstract

Throughout the decade of 2010-2020, the widespread use of mobile devices of any type (smartphones, tablets) has encouraged and strengthened their use in different learning processes and in different ways. Latest improvements in devices’ processing power, in storage capacity, in memory allocation, in wireless connectivity, in GPS and in Bluetooth capabilities, has led to their wider integration and smoother use in the field of learning and in the field of language learning as well. This study examined the trend of a large number of academic studies concerning Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) using text analysis techniques and tools, published in the decade 2010-2020. Over three hundred and forty (340) publications such as journal articles, conferences proceedings papers, books chapters and books were retrieved and analyzed. The preliminary analysis presents the main characteristics and the research trends of this decade and discuss how the field of mobile assisted language learning has evolved in these years.