Saudi EFL Students’ Perception towards the Use of Duolingo Application in Learning English

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

This study aimed to investigate Saudi EFL students’ perceptions of using the Duolingo application as a tool for learning English. Employing a descriptive research design, the study gathered data from 163 student participants through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that students generally held highly positive perceptions of the application’s features and its role in language learning. Specifically, a significant majority of participants find Duolingo easy to access on mobile devices and laptops (91.8%), and they report that the app’s features are user-friendly and facilitate interaction with other learners (82.3%). Additionally, most participants agree that Duolingo offers convenient, anytime, anywhere access for practicing English (83.7%). Duolingo was found to be highly effective for improving various English skills, with over 85% of participants acknowledging its usefulness for enhancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Moreover, it supports vocabulary enrichment (83.7%) and offers opportunities for self-learning outside the classroom. A majority of participants also agreed that Duolingo encourages responsibility for self-learning, enhances motivation, and provides valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and communication with teachers. However, the study also highlighted some challenges, such as the need for reliable devices and strong Wi-Fi connections, with 67.4% of participants recognizing that Duolingo requires specific electronic devices and skills. Additionally, some participants (over 30%) felt that Duolingo might be more expensive than traditional learning methods. Despite these challenges, most students found the app engaging and reported feeling motivated to use it for improving their English outside the classroom. Overall, the findings suggest that Duolingo is a beneficial and effective tool for language learning, offering flexibility, accessibility, and enhanced learner motivation, though it requires appropriate technology and internet resources for optimal use.