Informal digital learning of English: the case of Kazakhstani pre-service teachers of English

Taking into account that the formal type of education is no longer perceived as a panacea for the development of students’ skills and competences, the proliferation of Internet and digital technologies has resulted in a number of studies on informal and out-of-class ways to develop students' foreign language skills. However, with the research that covers the phenomenon of out-of-class English language practices across the countries, some contexts have not received a substantial attention to date. This study is dedicated to provide the findings on the presence of informal practices in digital settings among Kazakhstani students where the government makes attempts to promote the role of English language through the number of policies. In literature review, the author discusses the current situation of English language learning in Kazakhstan, provides the challenges of the Kazakhstani system of education and the rationale to pay attention to informal language activities of students in the country that is located at the junction between Europe and Asia not only geographically but mentally. The researcher provides the data on the presence of informal digital learning of English among pre-service English language teachers, the experiences of participants and the associated outcomes. The findings of this study will add knowledge to the field of second language acquisition and will contribute to the growing area of research on informal learning practices by enlarging understanding toward informal language learning activities in Central Asian region.