Incorporating Authentic Video into Language-learning Mobile Applications Andrew Watabe A project submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts J. Paul Warnick, Chair Rob Alan Martinsen Rob Reynolds Center for Language Studies Brigham Young University Copyright © 2021 Andrew Watabe All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Incorporating Authentic Video into Language-learning Mobile Applications Andrew Watabe Center for Language Studies, BYU Master of Arts Authentic content in language materials can provide learners with meaningful contexts that enhance language learning (Shrum & Glisan, 2016). This project seeks to create a Japanese- learning iOS app that teaches language directly from authentic Japanese YouTube videos. The app provides a video library where users can find videos on a variety of topics such as food, music, beauty, and games. Each video features video captions, vocabulary exercises, and grammar drills based on the language used in the video. Students enrolled in Japanese classes at Brigham Young University were asked to test out the app and provide feedback on their experience. The participants enjoyed the authentic content and found the written transcripts of the videos to be helpful to their learning. They also requested additional content and features to improve the app. Based on the participants’ comments, we created a plan of action including future updates for the app. Keywords: CALL, authentic texts, Japanese, scaffolding, mobile apps, YouTube iii TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE ................................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2: Review of Literature ................................................................................................. 3 Contextualization ........................................................................................................................ 3 Authentic Texts ........................................................................................................................... 4 Scaffolding Authentic Texts........................................................................................................ 6 Mobile Apps for Language Learning .......................................................................................... 7 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Project Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 3: Methodology............................................................................................................. 11 Justification of the Project ......................................................................................................... 11 Context................................................................................................................................... 11 Data collection ....................................................................................................................... 11 Data analysis .......................................................................................................................... 12 App Layout and Features .......................................................................................................... 17 Video Library ........................................................................................................................ 17 Videos and Captions .............................................................................................................. 18 Vocabulary Games ................................................................................................................ 19 Grammar Drills ...................................................................................................................... 22 Monetization .......................................................................................................................... 23 Other Settings ........................................................................................................................ 23 App Development ..................................................................................................................... 24 App Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 25 Feedback.................................................................................................................................... 26 Participants ............................................................................................................................ 26 Instrumentation ...................................................................................................................... 26 iv Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion .......................................................................................... 28 Experience with Japanese and Mobile Apps ............................................................................. 28 Benefits of the Nihongo Desu app............................................................................................. 29 Authentic Content .................................................................................................................. 29 Video Transcripts .................................................................................................................. 30 Vocabulary Activities ............................................................................................................ 31 App Design ............................................................................................................................ 31 Overall Reaction .................................................................................................................... 32 Improvements ............................................................................................................................ 33 Additional Content ................................................................................................................ 33 Search and Filters .................................................................................................................. 34 Speed Settings........................................................................................................................ 34 Vocabulary Features .............................................................................................................. 35 Beginner-friendly Content ..................................................................................................... 36 Other Improvements .............................................................................................................. 36 Bugs and Issues ..................................................................................................................... 37 Study Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 38 Chapter 5: Plan of Action........................................................................................................... 40 Future Updates .......................................................................................................................... 40 Sort by Difficulty ................................................................................................................... 40 Content................................................................................................................................... 40 Search Function ..................................................................................................................... 40 Vocabulary List ..................................................................................................................... 41 Video Speed ........................................................................................................................... 41 Tutorials ................................................................................................................................. 41 Lessons Tab ........................................................................................................................... 41 Android Version .................................................................................................................... 42 App Limitations......................................................................................................................... 42 Chapter 6: Conclusion ...............................................................................................................