Exploring Undergraduate EFL Students’ Perceptions on the Use of Duolingo Application in Enhancing Vocabulary

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by lugxt

Mixed-methods research explores undergraduate EFL students’ perceptions of using the Duolingo app to enhance English-language vocabulary. Data are collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interview with 90 students from the English department at Sabratha University. Findings show students are willing and motivated to use Duolingo because it is easy, convenient, and effective, and overall attitudes are positive. The study also reports limits to its use, while academic level shows no significant difference in perceptions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Research Aims

Literature Review

Vocabulary

Duolingo

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Duolingo Application

Exploring undergraduate EFL students’perceptions on the use of Duolingo application in enhancing vocabulary د. إيمان عبدالسلام عون | Abstract | Received: 2024/04/22
Accepted: 2024/05/10 Available online2024/05/26
Key words:
Duolingo Application (App), vocabulary, EFL. | | --- | --- | | This study aims to explore undergraduate students’ perceptions on the use of Duolingo application in learning English language vocabulary. A mixedmethods study was used; data were collected through a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. 90 students from the English department at Sabratha University participated in the study. The results indicate that students are willing and ambitious to use Duolingo application to learn a language and particularly vocabulary as it is easy, convenient and effective inan encouraging way that can motivate learning. Their reaction towards the application was overall positive and Duolingo can promote learning and developing vocabulary, but there are some limitations. However, there is no significant difference between students’ academic level and their perception toward Duolingo application. Language learning applications are great tools to improve knowledge of a new language thus, it is recommended to encourage language learners of different levels to use Duolingo. | | 1. Introduction Today technology plays a vital role in learning and teaching. AlTameemi (2017) believes that technology is developing fast and this has increased students' opportunities to take responsibility of self-learning. Learning a language requires various approaches and techniques, and education today focuses a great deal on technology to cope with the rapid development and change. Applications that assist in learning the language skills are beneficial. In recent years, educational games have progressively aided learning. A lot of research has pointed out that games have a great impact on learning which offers a fun learning atmosphere , and encourages creative use of the language being learnt (Owen et al 2019; Chen, 2005) . Among many applications provided today, Duolingo is an application used on smart devices that offers learners with a different learning experience. It combines both learning and playing by involving learners in a game-form language learning device that is created and used online (([http://Duolingo.com](http://Duolingo.com)). Research aims The current research aims to identify student’s perception towards the use of Duolingo application in improving English language vocabulary. It also points out whether students have different perceptions towards the application according to their academic year/level. The study focuses on these two questions: 1. What is undergraduate students’ perception toward the use of Duolingo application in enhancing English language vocabulary? 2. Does academic level/year influence students' perceptions towards the use of Duolingo application in enhancing English language vocabulary? 2. Literature Review 2.1 Vocabulary Vocabulary is an important aspect of learning any language. It consists of learning the spelling, meaning and usage of the word. According to Richards and Renandya (2002), Vocabulary is considered a core component of language proficiency and shows how learners can use the language whether it is spoken or written. Learners use certain strategies to extent their vocabulary to be able to make use of language learning opportunities. The importance of vocabulary learning cannot be overstressed, it requires hard work and persistence. Some learners may face some difficulty. According to Ma (2007), the reasons for learners facing difficulty is because most of them memorize vocabulary by writing and reading repetitively; learn vocabulary without any techniques; don’t review the vocabulary learned frequently and a do limited reading of publications, newspapers and magazines. The role of education level on vocabulary learning is notable due to

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

The study investigates undergraduate students’ perceptions of using the Duolingo application to improve English vocabulary and whether perceptions vary by academic level or year.

How was data collected in the research?

A mixed-methods design was used. Data came from a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview.

What do the results indicate about students’ attitudes toward Duolingo?

Overall, students react positively and show willingness and ambition to use Duolingo, finding it easy, convenient, and motivating for vocabulary development, though some limitations are noted.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by lugxt