THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TOOLS IN AUTONOMOUS VOCABULARY ACQUISITION
Keywords:
digital technologies, vocabulary acquisition, self-regulated learning, involvement load hypothesis, artificial intelligence, multimodal input, dual coding theory, cognitive load theory, adaptive learning systems, online dictionaries, corpora, interactive learning platforms.Abstract
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the field of second language (L2) learning, offering learners new opportunities to engage with target languages outside traditional classroom settings. Vocabulary acquisition, a fundamental component of language proficiency, has particularly benefited from these advancements, with digital tools empowering learners to undertake a more autonomous and self-directed approach to expanding their lexical knowledge. This article investigates how digital tools support self-directed vocabulary development, drawing on current research to outline their benefits, how they operate, and potential challenges. By examining various digital resources, from mobile applications to AI-driven platforms, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology facilitates independent L2 vocabulary development.