Physical‐Digital Interfaces in Informal Language Learning: Ecological and Spatial Perspectives on Narratives of Everyday Life

ABSTRACT With the growing recreational use of digital media technology, informal language learning occurs more frequently within individuals’ everyday lives. However, the interplay between digital and physical spaces in informal language learning remains underexplored. By bringing together ecological and spatial perspectives on language learning to investigate this interplay, this study explores how individuals’ physical activities influence their use of digital resources and language learning, drawing on the experiences of three international students studying English in Australia. A narrative approach to the analysis of data gathered from journal entries, stimulated recall interviews and social media posts reveals precisely how individual learners utilised diverse digital resources while engaging in various offline recreational and social activities. The learners adapted the affordances of particular digital tools and features in response to physical surroundings and situational circumstances. They also transported their identities and interests between physical and digital spaces, thus enriching their learning experiences. These experiences included acquiring new vocabulary knowledge through offline interactions with local residents and sharing this knowledge through online networks. This study provides insight into the interface between digital and physical spaces and its significant impact on shaping informal language learning.