Ubiquitous Language Learning for Global Communities: Mobile Learning as a Tool for Cross Cultural Communication and Language Proficiency

Maya Nguema (1), Koffi Makaya (2), Wawan Hendrawan (3)
(1) Omar Bongo UniversityGA Gabon,
(2) University of Science and Technology of GabonGA Gabon,
(3) Universitas PasundanID Indonesia

Abstract

Background. In a globalized world, language learning extends beyond traditional classrooms, requiring more flexible, accessible, and culturally inclusive methods. Mobile learning (m-learning) has emerged as a powerful tool for language acquisition, offering learners the ability to engage with content anytime and anywhere. Additionally, it facilitates cross-cultural communication by providing diverse cultural contexts, helping learners understand not only the language but also the social and cultural nuances that shape its use.


Purpose. This study aims to explore the role of mobile learning as a tool for enhancing cross-cultural communication and language proficiency. The research seeks to evaluate how mobile applications, through interactive and context-based learning, promote language skills and cultural understanding, preparing learners for effective communication in global communities.


Method. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of language proficiency improvement through mobile learning apps and qualitative data from surveys and interviews to assess cultural engagement. The study involved 120 participants who used a mobile language learning app for 8 weeks.


Results. The findings reveal that mobile learning significantly improved learners' language proficiency, particularly in vocabulary, speaking, and listening. Additionally, participants reported increased cultural awareness and confidence in cross-cultural interactions, highlighting the effectiveness of mobile learning in bridging cultural gaps.


Conclusion. Mobile learning serves as an effective tool for language proficiency and cross-cultural communication, providing accessible, immersive, and contextually rich learning experiences for global communities.

Full text article

Generated from XML file

References

Agaba, P. K. (2026). Chapter 13—Regional anesthesia and pain management in resource-limited countries. Dalam H. Prabhakar, I. Kapoor, & C. Mahajan (Ed.), Practice of Neuroanesthesia in Resource Limited Countries (hlm. 225–255). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-44155-4.00007-4

Ahuja, K., & Shahi, A. (2026). Chapter 19—Leveraging large language models for intelligent urban planning and smart cities. Dalam K. J. Singh, S. Mahajan, D. S. Kapoor, & K. Thakur (Ed.), LLMs in Practice (hlm. 425–470). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-44344-2.00012-1

Alfaiz, A. (2025). Chapter 4—Global best practices in smart concepts. Dalam Smart Nation (hlm. 123–212). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-34127-4.00004-7

Alrefaee, Y. M. H. A., & Al-Shammari, A. H. (2026). Digital innovations in second language pragmatics: A systematic review (2006–2024). Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 13, 103004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.103004

Alsahli, M., Abd-alrazaq, A., Fathy, D. M., Abdelmohsen, S. A., Gushgari, O. A., Ghazy, H. K., & Abdelwahed, A. Y. (2025). Effectiveness of Patients’ Education and Telenursing Follow-Ups on Self-Care Practices of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: Cross-Sectional and Quasi-Experimental Study. JMIR Nursing, 8. https://doi.org/10.2196/67339

Awodiji, O. A., & Naicker, S. R. (2026). Leading secondary school for sustainable development in the post-digital era: The role of continuous professional development. Sustainable Futures, 11, 101905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2026.101905

Chang, X. (2026). Strategies for sustainable competence development in primary English education majors: A qualitative inquiry into institutional and non-institutional constraints. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 59, 101971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101971

Chea, P. (2025). Belt and Road Initiatives: Tracing the life and career transformations of international scholarship postgraduate returnees from China. Asian Education and Development Studies, 15(2), 488–508. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-06-2025-0271

Cooper, A. C., Takayama, K., Cooke, M. L., Drakes, O., Sumy, D. F., & McBride, S. K. (2026). Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing university student experiences with earthquake early warning in the United States: Evaluating language planning and technology access. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 137, 106095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2026.106095

Cunningham, T., Murray, C., Du, J. T., Evans, N., & Ziaian, T. (2024). Digital technology uses, purposes, barriers and training programs for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults: A systematic scoping review. Aslib Journal of Information Management, 77(5), 914–937. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-07-2023-0257

Elagib, N. A., Ahmed, B. M., Sulieman, H. M., Rahma, A. E., Ali, M. M. A., & Schneider, K. (2025). Capturing social sensing of farming activities for policymaking in fragile contexts. Journal of Rural Studies, 117, 103638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103638

Hassan, M., Shraban, S. S., Islam, M. A., Basaruddin, K. S., Ijaz, M. F., Kamarrudin, N. S. B., & Takemura, H. (2025). Integration of extended reality technologies in transportation systems: A bibliometric analysis and review of emerging trends, challenges, and future research. Results in Engineering, 26, 105334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.105334

Herckis, L., & Tse, E. (2025). AI-enabled fraud detection, prevention, and perpetration in nursing credential evaluation: A scoping study. Technology and the Nursing Needs of Tomorrow, 16(3), 183–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnr.2025.08.008

Khapre, S., Mersha, M. A., Olalekan, Z., Shakil, H., Iskander, S., Moustafa, A., & Kalita, J. (2026). Agentic AI systems: A systematic survey of multi-agent architectures, cognitive foundations, interaction, explainability, security, and performance evaluation. Neurocomputing, 696, 134049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2026.134049

Kulal, A., Dinesh, S., Abhishek, N., & Anchan, A. (2024). Digital access and learning outcomes: A study of equity and inclusivity in distance education. International Journal of Educational Management, 38(5), 1391–1423. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-03-2024-0166

Lee, H., Kim, H., & Yan, W. (2025). Promoting inclusive AI and technology in K-12 education: A review of context, instructional strategies, and learning outcomes. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 9, 100478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100478

Li, J., Surana, A., Chavan, M., Kano, L., Schotter, A., & Chirico, F. (2025). The internationalization of digital platform-based firms: A systematic literature review and directions for future research. Journal of World Business, 60(4), 101629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2025.101629

Liu, S. (2026). Beyond the bot: Instructor facilitation, self-efficacy, and online English motivation in an AI-rich era. Acta Psychologica, 264, 106534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106534

Luo, X., Li, Y., Huang, Q., & Zhan, J. (2024). A survey of automated negotiation: Human factor, learning, and application. Computer Science Review, 54, 100683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosrev.2024.100683

Mohd Taufek, N. H. (2025). Chapter 19—Global initiatives for improving health and medication literacy. Dalam A. Awaisu, E. E. Munsour, P. Aslani, R. Hussain, & Z.-U.-D. Babar (Ed.), Health Literacy in Medicines Use and Pharmacy (hlm. 289–305). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-824407-4.00009-X

Qian, K., Zhao, Z., Tan, Y., Zhang, W., Cho, M., Zhu, C., Tian, F., Hu, B., Yamamoto, Y., & Schuller, B. W. (2025). Computer audition for healthcare: A survey on speech analysis. AI Open, 6, 244–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aiopen.2025.10.001

Reddy, S. (2026). Chapter 8—Developing a new health system model. Dalam Transforming Global Healthcare Delivery (hlm. 189–216). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-33020-9.00004-9

Rodin, G., Feldman, A., Trapani, D., Skelton, M., Unger-Saldaña, K., Essue, B., Pihlak, R., Walshe, C., Rosa, W. E., Banegas, M. P., Zambrano-Lucio, M., Salah Daood, R., Aggarwal, A., Dewachi, O., Shapiro, G. K., Munisamy, M., Rajah, H. D. A., Atreya, S., Dhyani, V. S., … Sullivan, R. (2025). The human crisis in cancer: A Lancet Oncology Commission. The Lancet Oncology, 26(12), e628–e670. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00530-3

Salgueiro, A. de J. P., Mateo, I. D., Peña, A. S., & Hernández, B. A. (2026). Chapter 16—Simulation of the operation of an autonomous wheelchair for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with deep reinforcement learning algorithms, large language model, and tracking the patient’s iris. Dalam A. T. Azar & A. Fekik (Ed.), Modeling, Dynamics and Control approaches for Modern Robotics (hlm. 561–611). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-30106-3.00020-8

Schneider, J. L., & West, K. L. (2025). A matter of time: Developmental cascades for developmental science. Infant Behavior and Development, 80, 102078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2025.102078

Shin, H., Xie, R., Yoon, H., & Lee, J. (2026). Measuring generative AI-mediated travel experiences: Development and validation of a multidimensional scale. Tourism Management Perspectives, 63, 101492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2026.101492

Stewart, I. T., Baez Morales, A., Maurer, E. P., Li, Q., Díaz, R. S., Guingona, B., & Torres Torres Landa, A. (2026). Challenges and opportunities in building community-driven adaptive capacity under climate change for smallholder farmers in the Global South. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 18(1), 20–41. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-08-2025-0258

Teke, J., Msiska, M., Adanini, O. A., Egbon, E., Osborne, A., & Olawade, D. B. (2025). Artificial intelligence for obesity management: A review of applications, opportunities, and challenges. Obesity Medicine, 58, 100657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obmed.2025.100657

Ullah, I., Arishi, A., Singh, S. K., Alharbi, F., Ibrahim, A. H., Islam, M., Daradkeh, Y. I., & Choi, C. (2025). Autonomous network management for 6G communication: A comprehensive survey. Digital Communications and Networks, 11(6), 1917–1940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcan.2025.07.001

Wang, S. (2024). Visual Communication Design of Mobile App Interface Based on Digital. International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.4018/IJISSCM.348063

Wiboolyasarin, W., Wiboolyasarin, K., Tiranant, P., Jinowat, N., & Boonyakitanont, P. (2025). AI-driven chatbots in second language education: A systematic review of their efficacy and pedagogical implications. Ampersand, 14, 100224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2025.100224

Wuttiphan, N., & Kwangmuang, P. (2025). Designing a ubiquitous learning environment to enhance pre-service Chinese language teachers’ critical writing skills: A developmental research approach. Teaching and Teacher Education, 155, 104921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104921

Yu, J. (2024). Study of the Effectiveness of 5G Mobile Internet Technology to Promote the Reform of English Teaching in the Universities and Colleges. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.4018/JCIT.342114

Zhang, Z., Khan, R. H., & Nandhakumar, J. (2025). Exploring liminal experience of entrepreneurs in information and communication technology innovation in underdeveloped regions. Information & Management, 62(1), 104067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2024.104067

Zhong, J. (2026). Semiotic heteroglossia and the process of resemiotization in place: Mapping the linguistic landscape of Hengqin in China. Language Sciences, 116, 101830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langsci.2026.101830

Zuo, H., Zhang, M., & Huang, W. (2025). Lifelong learning in vocational education: A game-theoretical exploration of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic challenges. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(3), 100694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100694

Authors

Maya Nguema
mayanguema@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Koffi Makaya
Wawan Hendrawan
Nguema, M. ., Makaya, K. ., & Hendrawan, W. (2026). Ubiquitous Language Learning for Global Communities: Mobile Learning as a Tool for Cross Cultural Communication and Language Proficiency. International Journal of Language and Ubiquitous Learning, 4(3), 205–215. https://doi.org/10.70177/ijlul.v4i3.4192

Article Details