Unleashing English-speaking proficiency: The role of academic environment, technology, and linguistic adaptability evidence from Indonesia

This study aims to examine the impact of academic environment and language-learning technology on grammar mastery and language flexibility, as well as their influence on English-speaking proficiency. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of grammar mastery and language flexibility in these relationships. The research employs a quantitative approach using a survey method, collecting data from a sample of students engaged in English language learning. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the relationships among variables. The findings reveal that both academic environment and language-learning technology significantly enhance grammar mastery and language flexibility. Furthermore, grammar mastery positively impacts English-speaking proficiency and mediates the relationship between academic environment, language-learning technology, and speaking proficiency. However, language flexibility does not directly influence speaking proficiency, nor does it mediate these relationships. These results align with previous research indicating the crucial role of grammar mastery in language proficiency while challenging the assumption that flexibility alone enhances speaking skills. The study offers significant implications for language educators and policymakers, highlighting the need for structured grammar instruction integrated with technological tools to optimize learning outcomes. It underscores the importance of designing curricula that balance traditional linguistic foundations with digital advancements. This research contributes originality by empirically validating the mediating role of grammar mastery and challenging existing assumptions regarding language flexibility. By incorporating diverse perspectives from international studies and empirical observations, this study enhances understanding of effective language acquisition strategies and informs future educational frameworks.