GAMIFIED VOCABULARY ACQUISITION IN EFL CLASSROOMS: ENHANCING RETENTION AND LEARNER MOTIVATION

Vocabulary acquisition remains a cornerstone of second language proficiency, yet conventional memorization techniques frequently fail to ensure long-term retention or maintain learner engagement. This paper examines the efficacy of gamified learning tools in expanding English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lexical competence. Using a quasi-experimental design involving 48 intermediate EFL learners divided into an experimental group (utilizing digital gamified tools) and a control group (following traditional rote-learning methods), the study assessed vocabulary retention over a four-week intervention. Pre-test and post-test scores revealed statistically significant gains in lexical retrieval and delayed retention among participants exposed to gamified elements such as immediate feedback, point systems, and spaced repetition. The findings suggest that gamification transforms passive memorization into active linguistic engagement, offering practical implications for contemporary language pedagogy.