7ling, a language learning app for Arabic-speaking learners

Abstract

The article presents the research connected to 7ling, an open-access modern European language learning app, developed within the KA2 Erasmus+ project XCELING - Towards Excellence in Applied Linguistics. Innovative Second Language Education in Egypt. The app is targeted at migrants and refugees, especially Arabic-speaking ones, giving them the opportunity to learn French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, German and Italian. The paper also presents assessment and validation activities, mostly related to the Italian section, based on focus-group interviews, surveys administered to trial-users, Italian-language teachers and students (mostly Arabic-speaking), which aimed to improve the product during its development.

Keywords

• teaching italian as l2/fl
• arabic-speaking learner
• linguistic integration of migrants and refugees
• mobile learning