Digital Tools for Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition Among Intermediate EFL Learners

Abstract

This article examines the pedagogical potential of digital tools used to facilitate vocabulary acquisition among intermediate-level learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Drawing on contemporary research in applied linguistics, second language acquisition (SLA), and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), the study analyzes how mobile applications, online platforms, gamified resources, and context-based reading tools support lexical development. Special attention is given to cognitive mechanisms involved in vocabulary retention, including spaced repetition, multimodal encoding, and form–meaning mapping. The article argues that digital tools, when purposefully integrated into formal instruction, significantly enhance vocabulary growth, improve long-term retention, and promote learner autonomy. Methodological recommendations are provided for optimizing the pedagogical use of digital technologies in EFL classrooms.