Literature review on the feasibility of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in developing vocabulary skills among non-English speaking migrant and refugee women

Acquiring and learning English as a new language is a challenge faced by non-English speaking migrant and refugee women when they arrive to settle in Australia. This paper reviews the literature to explore the feasibility of using mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) to enrich and develop these women's language skills. The findings from the literature review indicate that some women prefer non-formal rather than formal learning even though support for language learning is available. This is due to personal and sociocultural factors that affect these women. The literature also indicates that vocabulary skill is a significant branch of language learning in developing proficiency among non-English speakers. MALL suggests potential benefits when applied and supports different areas of language skills development and learning. The literature review also indicates that no research has been undertaken in the context of integrating MALL into migrant and refugee women's language learning within a nonformal learning setting. A research project is proposed to be undertaken in collaboration with a local community centre to explore and answer four research questions that were generated from this literature review.