INFORMAL LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES WITH WEB 2.0

Abstract

While learning a new language is often associated with the activities taking place in the classroom with the participation of instructors and learners, it is the real life setting that enables learning to occur in its most natural and fundamental form. Due to current technological renovations, the concept of informal language learning has been altered and new perspectives about this language type have been established. This paper focuses on the use of Web 2.0, one of the latest digital technologies, as an informal learning platform. By researching the given literature and empirical studies published since 2004 in the field, we present several issues on informal learning of foreign languages  with Web 2.0 applications. The findings indicate that Web 2.0 has changed the approach, tools, language form and learners’ perceptions about informal language learning. Also, it has been found that this learning setting benefits language learners because it is participatory, flexible and more relaxing besides offering learners’ two – way involvement. Nonetheless, users must be confronted with feedback, safety and digital skill concerns. The findings of this study are hoped to offer an insight into informal language learning and maximize the potential of this setting for language acquisition.