Intergenerational Perspectives on Mobile-assisted Language Learning: A Survey of Italian Learners

This paper aims to explore the benefits of Mobile-assisted Language Learning in our constantly changing and highly technological world. The present study investigates the use and usefulness of applications for self-taught foreign language learning, focusing on whether they can be a valid competitor to face-to-face language lessons or whether they lack some component necessary for effective second language instruction. In addition, people of different age groups will be surveyed to understand how they perceive the benefits and limitations of MALL, if the process of learning through these new means varies across generations, and whether the use of MALL is related to each person’s digital skills. The ultimate aim is to possibly suggest useful improvements for the development of language learning applications that are as inclusive and complete as possible. To conduct this research, data is going to be collected through an online questionnaire shared via WhatsApp and other social media to Italian people living in Italy.