The importance of informal digital learning practices for English language acquisition

Nowadays, technologies have changed the ways we perceive every part of our life, and the sphere of education is not an exception. In particular, Web 2.0 technologies provide opportunities for new generations of learners to enhance their process of English language acquisition in various ways, allowing them to communicate with other learners from all over the world and to have easy access to the resources they need. This paper aims to present a critical literature review analysis on the effect of online digital technologies on informal learning of English language. Initially, we will define informal, non-formal and formal ways of learning, elaborating on the existing conceptualizing theories and emphasizing the differences between them. Further, the paper will describe the recent papers, where the informal learning strategies of English were underlined. Finally, we discuss the importance of informal learning practices for English language development. Copyright © 2019 University of Antwerp.