The Handbook of Informal Language Learning

30Future Directions in Informal Language Learning

ROBERT GODWIN‐JONES

Introduction

The chapters of this book provide ample evidence of the rich variety of possibilities today for informal language learning. In this chapter, the focus is on which of those opportunities seem likely to be of continuing importance. We will also look at what the future might bring for language learners both in and out of the classroom. No one can predict accurately coming developments, particularly in the fast‐moving domain of digital technology – all the more so considering the immense differences which exist worldwide in socioeconomic conditions, educational opportunities, technology infrastructure, and national/local language dynamics. However, we can extrapolate from current trends and look at emerging tools and services.

Understanding experiential language learning: A growing need

Untutored second language acquisition is not something exotic, it is the normal case, and if we want to understand the very principles according to which the human mind constructs, copies, and uses linguistic systems, then we must study how human beings cope with this task when not under the influence of teaching.

(Klein and Dimroth 2009, p. 519)

Relatively little is known about language learning independent of formal education, despite the fact that “the majority of the world's language learners acquire second and additional languages in naturalistic contexts” (Polat and Kim 2014, p. 184). There are studies ...