Abstract
Abstract—Learners studying Korean as a foreign language have a long-standing problem in language learning: less exposure to the target language and a lack of communicative learning opportunities. This study attempts to explore how these challenges can be solved by incorporating mobile technologies—especially WeChat—into Korean language learning. By examining the implementation of the WeChat Project’s five components, this study reports on the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile technologies for students who learn an intermediate Korean language course at a liberal arts college in China. A total of 16 students participated in a one-semester study, and they were asked to complete an end-of-semester questionnaire and attend a follow-up interview. The questionnaire’s results revealed that students generally welcomed the WeChat Project and that they positively perceived the usefulness of the five components of the WeChat Project. In the interviews, the students reported four major benefits of using WeChat in their Korean learning: increased learning time, an acquisition of linguistic knowledge, the Korean language community, and the convenience of using WeChat. The disadvantages and suggestions for improvements are discussed.
Highlights
As interest in Korean culture has increased worldwide, the number of Korean learners abroad has steadily increased, and China is no exception
Very few empirical studies have examined the effectiveness of implementing WeChat in teaching and learning Korean as a foreign language (KFL)
This study aimed to examine the effect of incorporating WeChat into KFL education
Summary
As interest in Korean culture has increased worldwide, the number of Korean learners abroad has steadily increased, and China is no exception. Students who study Korean at higher education institutions in China are digital natives, belonging to the “i-generation” cohort. They have been exposed to various digital environments since their birth, are generally proficient at using digital devices and technologies, and enjoy social activities through social media platforms. WeChat is the most widely used social media platform in China [1], [2] It is an all-inone communication application that allows all users to text and call each other directly, as well as exchange photos, videos, and files for free. Very few empirical studies have examined the effectiveness of implementing WeChat in teaching and learning Korean as a foreign language (KFL). This study aims to provide practical data for improving the Korean language learning environment abroad
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