WhatsApp-Mediated Vocabulary Learning: A Study of Kurdish EFL Learners

Mobile-assisted language learning technologies, such as WhatsApp, have gained scholarly attention for their capacity to facilitate language acquisition through flexible and interactive digital platforms. This study investigates the effectiveness of WhatsApp as a medium for vocabulary instruction among Kurdish EFL learners, focusing on its impact on vocabulary development, learner attitudes, and potential differences in outcomes based on gender. The research design involved a sample of 60 Kurdish EFL learners divided into two equal groups: an experimental group that used WhatsApp to receive vocabulary instruction and a control group that received traditional classroom instruction. The study results indicate that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on vocabulary tests, suggesting that WhatsApp can be an effective tool for teaching vocabulary to Kurdish EFL learners. Additionally, the results showed that using WhatsApp improved the learners’ motivation and engagement in vocabulary learning. This research underscores WhatsApp’s potential to enhance vocabulary acquisition in EFL contexts, highlighting its functionality and learner appeal.