Excellence
Vol 5 No 2 (2025): EXCELLENCE (In Press)

HelloTalk Users’ Interpretation of Language Cues: A Mixed-Method Case Study

Borneo, N. Aini Hasyim Munthe (Unknown)
Harahap, Mutiara Salsabila (Unknown)
Siregar, Deasy Yunita (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

As language learning shifts to digital platforms, the absence of non-verbal signals creates linguistic ambiguity that risks intercultural misunderstanding. This study examines how HelloTalk users interpret language registers and apply Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) within a mixed-purpose digital ecosystem. Using a Concurrent Mixed-Method approach, data were collected from ten B2+ users via Likert scales and thematic analysis. Findings reveal strong register awareness for serious topics (mean=4.30), yet significant ambiguity exists when interpreting formal language in casual chat (s=1.29), hindering pragmatic interlanguage development. Qualitatively, the primary barrier to decoding cues is not linguistic structure, but phonetic factors such as non-standard accents and rapid speech. The study concludes that effective accommodation is constrained by these phonetic hurdles and conflicting digital cues. These results offer critical insights for Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) development, highlighting the need for interfaces to better mediate paralinguistic elements in peer-to-peer digital interactions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

excellence

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Excellence: Journal of English and English Education publishes research article studying foreign language as main object. Scopes of the journal consist of : - Linguistics: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Discourse Analysis, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Critical Discourse ...