@article{ART003345814},
author={Nora Abuellil},
title={Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study},
journal={The Japanese Language Association of Korea},
issn={1229-7275},
year={2026},
number={88},
pages={5-25}
TY - JOUR
AU - Nora Abuellil
TI - Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study
JO - The Japanese Language Association of Korea
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 88
PB - The Japanese Language Association Of Korea
SP - 5
EP - 25
SN - 1229-7275
AB - In recent years, the global number of users of Japanese language learning apps has surged, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this rapid growth, few studies have qualitatively examined the learning experiences of foreign residents in Japan who use these apps in their daily lives. This study analyzed the subjective evaluations provided in open-ended responses to a post-study questionnaire administered to 29 non-kanji-background foreign professionals living in Japan following 13 weeks of learning with Duolingo and JapanesePod101. Using qualitative content analysis (QCA; Schreier, 2012), the study identified 19 codes, including lesson design, grammar explanation, and feedback mechanisms. Duolingo was found to excel at maintaining engagement through gamification and in providing review functions. Yet, it lacked sufficient grammatical explanations and information on kanji etymology and radicals, and many of the expressions taught were perceived as unnatural or overly textbook-like. JapanesePod101, by contrast, demonstrated strengths in contextual vocabulary and listening practice through naturalistic dialogues, fostering the integrated development of reading and dialogue comprehension. However, challenges included the optional nature of practice drills, passive kanji instruction, limited opportunities for review and practice, and difficulties in sustaining motivation. These findings suggest that successful mobile-assisted language learning apps must address three interrelated dimensions: technical foundations, pedagogical design, and engagement mechanisms. Specifically, apps require reliable, usable platforms; pedagogically sound treatment of Japanese orthography and grammar, with high-quality feedback and authentic content; and motivational features with built-in review systems.
KW - MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning);Japanese;Duolingo;JapanesePod101;QCA
DO -
UR -
ER -
Nora Abuellil. (2026). Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study. The Japanese Language Association of Korea, 88, 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. 2026, "Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study", The Japanese Language Association of Korea, no.88, pp.5-25.
Nora Abuellil "Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study" The Japanese Language Association of Korea 88 pp.5-25 (2026) : 5.
Nora Abuellil. Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study. 2026; 88 : 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. "Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study" The Japanese Language Association of Korea no.88(2026) : 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study. The Japanese Language Association of Korea, 88, 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study. The Japanese Language Association of Korea. 2026; 88 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study. 2026; 88 : 5-25.
Nora Abuellil. "Beyond the Classroom: App-Based Japanese Learning Among Non-Kanji-Background Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Qualitative Study" The Japanese Language Association of Korea no.88(2026) : 5-25.
