Impacts of digital applications on emergent multilinguals' language learning experiences: the case of Duolingo

Digital mobile applications have impacted foreign language learning by offering accessible and engaging educational tools. This study examines the effect of digital mobile applications on emergent multilinguals' foreign language learning experiences at the tertiary level. Twenty-nine English language teacher candidates engaged with Duolingo-a popular, free mobile application-over a month, studying various foreign languages. Data collected from pre- and post-study reflective journals, discussion board posts, and focus group interviews provided insights into the participants' experiences with the app's features, their perceived language development, and their views on the pedagogical integration of mobile apps in language education. The findings highlighted active student engagement and noted vocabulary improvements, while other language areas showed mixed results. Participants appreciated the app's technical features but criticized its cultural and speech limitations. Despite recognizing digital mobile applications' potential, teacher candidates expressed uncertainty about their classroom integration but intended future pedagogical use. The study concluded with the implications of these interactions for the integration of mobile apps into foreign language education, particularly in multilingual contexts.