Abstract

sMay is here and with it comes a new issue of ReCALL for 2022. This time, we have seven papers covering three broad topics: the first involves automatic L2 proficiency assessment, the second, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), and the third, L2 vocabulary acquisition, particularly the role of audiovisual materials. Several papers draw on Paivio’s (1971) dual processing theory, according to which “knowledge representation in verbal and visual modes may facilitate processing and therefore aid understanding and retention of knowledge more effectively than representations depending on a single mode” (Sato, Lai & Burden). There is also some overlap between the MALL and vocabulary studies, since the MALL meta-analysis by Burston and Giannakou reveals that by far the most common MALL learning objective is, in fact, lexical learning. Similarly, Lin’s paper on a new web-based app focusing on formulaic expressions in YouTube videos sits at the intersection of MALL and learning of vocabulary and phraseology. As you will read, the studies include a range of methodologies and research designs, from meta-analysis (Burston & Giannakou; Yu & Trainin), to survey (Puebla, Fievet, Tsopanidi & Clahsen), experimental study (Dziemianko; Sato et al.) and computer modelling (Gaillat et al.), through to research and development