Digitally transformed lifelong multilingual language learning: affective processes underlying the development of multilingual competence

Abstract

This paper reflects on the issues of informal and non-institutional practices of language learning in digital environments. In this qualitative and longitudinal case study, authentic language materials were used by two adult learners for their development of Italian language skills and multilingual competencies through Personal Multilingual Dictionary Design (Italian/English/Greek/Serbian). The authentic materials included three editions (500 episodes) of the most famous show “É sempre mezzogiorno” (“It is Always Noon”) by the Italian public television service “Rai” (2020/2023). The choice of the video materials, as learning materials, was based on the interests and personal preferences of the learners, highly interested, involved and committed to language learning and the development of multilingual literacy. Affective processes underlying the development of multilingual competence through collaborative learning tasks are examined and discussed. In conclusion, several areas of multimodal literacies are highlighted, with potential guidance in envisioning future research processes. / Keywords: authentic video content, informal foreign language learning, Italian language, multilingual competence