STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SITUATED AND TRANSFORMED PRACTICES IN EFL VOCABULARY LEARNING ON INSTAGRAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35194/jj.v14i2.6425Keywords:
Instagram, Vocabulary Learning, Situated and Transformed practicesAbstract
Although Instagram offers several multimodal features that aid vocabulary learning, the presence of entertainment content and the lack of explanations for certain words can still affect how useful the platform is used as a learning tool. This study aims to explore EFL students’ perspectives on the use of Instagram in English vocabulary learning and how this platform supports both situated and transformed practices. The participants in this study consisted of 45 students in the English Language Teaching Department at Islamic State University in Cirebon. The method used in this study was a quantitative approach using an online questionnaire to assess students’ views on the use of Instagram across aspects of multimodality, technology in language learning, knowledge processes, and learning outcomes. The results of this study indicate that students generally responded positively to the use of Instagram as a tool for learning vocabulary. The findings also suggest that Instagram is perceived as capable of supporting vocabulary learning through the presentation of multimodal content, ease of access, and a learning experience aligned with the daily digital activities undertaken by students. In addition, Instagram is considered capable of supporting both situated and transformed practices by facilitating the understanding and application of vocabulary in various contexts, including education and social communication. Therefore, this study suggests that Instagram has the potential to serve as a supportive medium in English vocabulary learning, although it still requires appropriate pedagogical guidance to ensure its use provides maximum benefit to students’ learning processes.
References
Al Fadda, H. A. (2020). Determining How Social Media Affects Learning English: An Investigation of Mobile Applications Instagram and Snapchat in TESOL Classroom. Arab World English Journal, 11(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no1.1
Abdullah, A. T. H., Al-Bawaleez, M. M. A., Azmi, M. N. L., & Hassan, I. (2022). Analysis of EFL Learners’ Language Proficiency Development Across Different Social Media Platforms. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 12(9), 1756–1761. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1209.07
Alharthi, M., Bown, A., & Pullen, D. (2020). The Use of Social Media Platforms to Enhance Vocabulary Developing in Learning a New Language: A Review of The Literature. Arab World English Journal, 6(Special Issue on CALL), 318–331. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.21
Almohesh, A. R. I., & Altamimi, J. A. H. (2024). Wow, I cannot stop: a concentration on vocabulary learning via instagram and its effects on informal digital learning of english, technostress, and on-line engagement. BMC Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01503-w
Arumugam, N., Farhanahburhanuddin, N., Suppiah, P. C., & Razak, M. I. M. (2020). English Vocabulary Development Among Undergraduates: Social Media. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v9-i4/8455
Arun, H., Nugraeni, I. I., & Johan, A. N. (2025). Students’ Perception of Using Instagram Learning Account Towards Their Vocabulary Mastery. Linguistics and English Language Teaching Journal, 13(1), 179–187. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31764/leltj.v13i1.30918
Aslan, E., & Sirojitdinovna, M. B. (2025). Language learning made short and sweet? Exploring student perceptions of microcelebrity teacher reels on Instagram. Linguistics and Education, 88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2025.101430
Asmara, C. H. (2021). Students’ Perception on the Training of the Use Edmodo’s E-Learning Application Media in Improving Students’ English Writing Skill: Survey Research. Tell : Teaching of English Language and Literature Journal, 9(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.30651/tell.v9i1.7913
Baruti, T. D. W. P., & Subekti, A. S. (2023). INSTAGRAM TO LEARN ENGLISH VOCABULARY: A STUDY OF INDONESIAN NON-ENGLISH MAJOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. IJEE (INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF ENGLISH EDUCATION), 106–125. https://doi.org/10.15408/ijee.v10i1.26969
Cao, Y., & Yao, Z. (2018). The Development of Metaphoric Competence of English Majors in China Based on the Multiliteracies Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.2991/icesame-18.2018.21
Creswell, J. W., & Guetterman, T. C. (2018). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research (6th Edition). Pearson.
Ebadi, S., Zandi, M., & Ajabshir, Z. F. (2024). The effect of language learning engagement on L2 motivation over Instagram. Acta Psychologica, 250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104512
Evafaliyanti, & Usmawita. (2019). The Effectiveness Of Mr Dhani’s Video on Instagram Toward Students’ Vocabulary Mastery. INTENSIVE JOURNAL, 2(2), 57–61. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31602/INTENSIVE.V2I2.2456
Fadila, N. N., Setyarini, S., & Gustine, G. G. (2021). Channeling Multiliteracies in Digital Era: A Case Study of EFL Student-Made Video Project in Vocational High School. Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics, 6(1), 73. https://doi.org/10.21462/jeltl.v6i1.494
Fauziah, N., Pebriano, N. A., & Murtiningsih, T. (2023). Analysis of Vocabulary Learning Process from Instagram and TikTok. Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial, 4(1), 66–75. https://journals2.ums.ac.id/index.php/sosial
Garini, S. A. (2025). Secondary School Students’ Perception of Utilizing Instagram to Learn English Vocabulary: A case Study. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 18(2), 55–66. https://doi.org/10.32678/loquen.v18i2.10431
Ghimire, N. B., & Pandeya, Y. P. (2020). Early grade teachers’ awareness and skills on multiliteracies pedagogies. Scholars Journal, 3, 1–15. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3126/scholars.v3i0.37126
Gonulal, T. (2019). The use of instagram as a mobile-assisted language learning tool. Contemporary Educational Technology, 10(3), 309–323. https://doi.org/10.30935/cet.590108
Hasbi, M., & Cahyaningsih, A. D. (2024). Students’ Perception of Learning English Vocabulary Via @Kampunginggrism Instagram Account. LinguaEducare: Journal of English and Linguistic Studies, 1(2), 61–70. https://doi.org/10.63324/lec.1v.2i.12
Hidayat, D. N., Lee, J. Y., Mason, J., & Khaerudin, T. (2022). Digital technology supporting English learning among Indonesian university students. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-022-00198-8
Hong, A. L., & Hua, T. K. (2020). A review of theories and practices of multiliteracies in classroom: Issues and trends. In International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research (Vol. 19, Number 11, pp. 41–52). Society for Research and Knowledge Management. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.11.3
Huertas-Abril, C. A. (2021). Developing speaking with 21st Century digital tools in the English as a foreign language classroom: New literacies and oral skills in primary education. Aula Abierta, 50(2), 625–634. https://doi.org/10.17811/RIFIE.50.2.2021.625-634
Ilmi, Y., Retnaningdyah, P., & Munir, A. (2020). Exploring Digital Multimodal Text in EFL Classroom: Transformed Practice in Multiliteracies Pedagogy. Linguistic, English Education and Art (LEEA) Journal, 4(1), 99–108. https://doi.org/10.31539/leea.v4i1.1416
Ismail, I. S., & Shafie, N. H. (2019). ENGLISH INFORMAL LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AMONG MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. Asian Journal of University of Education, 15(3), 211. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v15i3.7800
Kalantzis, M., & Cope, B. (2025). Multiliteracies Since Social Media and Artificial Intelligence. Harvard Educational Review, 95(1), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.17763/1943-5045-95.1.135
Kulju, P., Kupiainen, R., Wiseman, A. M., Jyrkiäinen, A., Koskinen-Sinisalo, K.-L., & Mäkinen, M. (2018). A Review of Multiliteracies Pedagogy in Primary Classrooms. Language and Literacy, 20(2), 80–101. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29333
Kulsum, E. M., Prasetya, F., & Fitri, C. (2025). EXPLORING VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES IN EFL CONTEXTS. JEPAL Journal of English Pedagogy and Applied Linguistics, 5(2), 187–198. https://journal.masoemuniversity.ac.id/jepal/index.php/englishpedagogy
La’biran, R., Triana Ruung, T., & Sallata, Y. N. (2024). Exploring the Influence of Instagram Usage on English Education Students’ Vocabulary Acquisition at UKI Toraja. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 07(01). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v7-i01-62
Lai, Y., Saab, N., & Admiraal, W. (2022). University students’ use of mobile technology in self-directed language learning: Using the integrative model of behavior prediction. Computers and Education, 179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104413
Lailiyah, M., & Setiyaningsih, L. A. (2020). Students’ perception of online communication language learning through Instagram. EnJourMe (English Journal of Merdeka) : Culture, Language, and Teaching of English, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.26905/enjourme.v5i2.5202
Liu, X. (2021). The senior high english teaching design based on the multiliteracies pedagogy—from the perspective of cultivating students’ key competency in english. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 11(6), 681–687. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1106.12
Misa, M. (2023). MULTILITERACIES PEDAGOGY: A CASE STUDY OF CRITICAL READING IN ELT CLASSROOM BY IMPLEMENTING SITUATED PRACTICE. English Review: Journal of English Education, 11(2), 489–500. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v11i2.7918
Nabhan, S., & Hidayat, R. (2018). Investigating Literacy Practices in a University EFL Context from Multiliteracies and Multimodal Perspective: A Case Study. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 9(6), 192–199. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.9n.6p.192
Nasution, A. K. P. (2023). Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching (JLLLT) Instagram in English Language Learning: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching (JLLLT), 3(1), 33–52. https://jurnal-assalam.org/index.php/JLLLT
New London Group. (1996). A pedagogy of multiliteracies: Designing social futures. Harvard Educational Review, 66(1), 60–92. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.66.1.17370n67v22j160u
ÖZYER, R. D., & ÖZCAN, E. N. (2020). Successes and struggles of EFL teachers adopting multiliteracies framework in the classroom. Kocaeli Üniversitesi Eğitim Dergisi, 3(2), 57–77. https://doi.org/10.33400/kuje.729633
Papadopoulos, I., & Bisiri, E. (2024). Emergent Multiliteracies: Towards an Understanding of the Theory and Pedagogical Practice. Έρευνα Στην Εκπαίδευση, 13(2), 74–90. https://doi.org/10.12681/hjre.37458
Pratama, M. H., & Dari, T. R. W. (2025). The University Students’ Perceptions on Instagram’s Translation Feature in Enhancing English Vocabulary Learning. JIIP (Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan), 8(11), 12529–12541. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v8i11.9713
Qisti, N. (2020). THE EFFECT OF WORD MAP STRATEGY USING INSTAGRAM TO DEVELOP STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY. Journal of English Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics, 4(2), 109. https://doi.org/10.30587/jetlal.v4i2.2273
Salama, R., Uzunboylu, U., & El Muti, M. A. (2020). Implementing online questionnaires and surveys by using mobile applications. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(3), 48–70. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v7i2.5016
Singh, B. K. A., Hameed, B. S., Md Yunus, M., Hashim, H., & Hashim, H. U. (2021). Instawrite: Instagram as a Platform of Improving ESL Vocabulary among Learners in International School. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(12), 249–259. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i12/11762
Syafi, M., & Ramadhani, R. (2024). Students’ Perception of the Use of Instagram as Mobile Learning in EFL Classroom. In Journal of English Education and Teaching (Vol. 8, Number 2).
Tuahman Sipayung, K. (2021). IMPROVING STUDENTS VOCABULARY THROUGH BBC’S VIDEO IN INSTAGRAM AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Epigram, 18(1), 32–36. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32722/epi.v18i1.3751
Wardana, D. C., Rachman, D., & Ibrahim. (2025). Students’ Perception of using Instagram to Vocabulary Mastery in University Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur. Borneo Educational Journal (Borju), 7(2), 360–374. https://doi.org/10.24903/bej.v7i2.2098
Zainal, Z., & Rahmat, N. H. (2020). SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLUENCE ON VOCABULARY AND LANGUAGE LEARNING: A CASE STUDY. European Journal of Education Studies, 7(11), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v7i11.3259
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Efila, Nizar Ibnus

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
I. Transfer of copyright
By execution of the present Statement Author transfers copyright and assigns exclusively to Publisher all rights, title and interest that Author may have (for the extent transferable) in and to the Article and any revisions or versions, but not limited to the sole right to print, publish and sell the Article worldwide in all languages and media. Transfer of the above rights is referred to as those of the final and published version of the Article but does not restrict Author to self-archive the preprint version of his/her paper.
II. Rights and obligations of Publisher
The Publisher rights to the Article shall especially include, but shall not be limited to:
Ability to publish an electronic version of the Article via the website
Distribution provided by or through joepallt from time to time, selling the Article world-wide (through subscriptions, Pay-per-View, single archive sale, etc.)
Publishing the Article in the printed Journals as listed on the official Website of Publisher
Transferring the copyright and the right of use of the Article.
Taking measures on behalf of the Author against infringement, inappropriate use of the Article, libel or plagiarism.
Publisher agrees to send the text of the Article to the e-mail address of Author indicated in the present Statement for preview before the first publishing either in paper and/or electronic format (Proof). Author shall return the corrected text of the Article within 1 week to the Publisher.
III. Rights and obligations of Author
The Author declares and warrants that he/she is the exclusive author of the Article or has the right to represent all co-authors of the and has not granted any exclusive or non-exclusive right to the Article to any third party prior to the execution of the present Statement and has the right therefore to enter into the present Statement and entitle the Publisher the use of the Article subject to the present Statement.
By executing the present Statement Author confirms that the Article is free of plagiarism, and that Author has exercised reasonable care to ensure that it is accurate and, to the best of Author's knowledge, does not contain anything which is libelous, or obscene, or infringes on anyone copyright, right of privacy, or other rights.
The preprint version is the Authors' manuscript or the galley proof or the Authors' manuscript along with the corrections made in the course of the peer review process. The Authors' right to self-archive is irrespective of the format of the preprint (.doc, .tex., .pdf) version and self-archiving includes the free circulation of this file via e-mail or publication of this preprint on the Authors' webpage or on the Authors' institutional repository with open or restricted access.
For any disputes arising from or in connection with the present Statement Parties agree in the exclusive competence of joepallt's publisher
Date and place of signature


