Mobile Technologies in English Language Education: A PRISMA-Guided Bibliometric Mapping of WoS-Indexed Research

Bo Zhou; Seong Pek Lim; Nahdia Kabir; Peerla Prasantham; M. Zaini Miftah

doi:10.3991/ijim.v20i17.61267

Authors

Bo Zhou INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4218-8654
Seong Pek Lim INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0322-7572
Nahdia Kabir INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6254-0621
Peerla Prasantham Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7616-1407
M. Zaini Miftah Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1815-3075

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v20i17.61267

Keywords:

mobile technologies , English language education , bibliometric analysis , thematic evolution , technology acceptance

Abstract

Mobile technologies are reshaping English language education, transforming traditional language teaching and learning through greater flexibility, accessibility, and interactivity. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 264 peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2025 in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, following PRISMA guidelines. By examining publication trends, citation impact, keyword networks, and thematic evolution, our research maps the intellectual structure and developmental trajectory of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) research in English language education. The findings reveal a steady increase in research output and influence, although scholarly contributions are concentrated within a limited number of journals, institutions, and countries. Four major thematic clusters are identified: learning performance; technology acceptance and instructional design; mobilemediated interaction and feedback; and speaking and pronunciation development. Over time, the literature shows an increasing movement from application-oriented studies toward theorydriven adoption frameworks, alongside growing attention to intelligent support systems. Building on these insights, this study proposes a bibliometric-based conceptual synthesis of interaction-oriented MALL, showing how literature brings together technological affordances, learner-internal processes, and interactional dynamics in mobile language learning contexts.

Author Biographies

Bo Zhou, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

Zhou Bo is a PhD candidate in Education at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Malaysia. His research interests include English language education, educational technology, artificial intelligence in education, mobile-assisted language learning, and bibliometric analysis.

Seong Pek Lim, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

Lim Seong Pek is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Malaysia. He received his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree from Universiti Selangor. His research interests include media and digital literacy, multimodality, and teacher education.

Nahdia Kabir, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

Nahdia Kabir is a PhD candidate in Management at the Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Malaysia. Her research interests include management, educational technology, artificial intelligence in education, digital learning, and bibliometric analysis.

Peerla Prasantham, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Peerla Prasantham is an Associate Professor of English at Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. His academic interests include English language education, educational technology, artificial intelligence in language learning, and interdisciplinary research.

M. Zaini Miftah, Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia

M. Zaini Miftah is an Associate Professor in the Department of English Language Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Palangka Raya, Indonesia, and a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. His research interests include ELT pedagogy, academic writing, ICT in ELT, reflective teaching, and teacher professional development.

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