Impact of Technology on Travel English: Reassessing the Need for Language Learning in the Digital Age

Impact of Technology on Travel English: Reassessing the Need for Language Learning in the Digital Age

This action research addresses a pivotal question in contemporary language education: Is language learning necessary in the age of readily available digital communication tools? It explores the usage of travel English by Taiwanese technology students during a week-long cultural exchange in Tokyo, assessing the impact of digital communication technologies on language use. Despite readily available translation technology, students often used spoken English for basic interactions, underscoring the value of direct human communication. The study identifies possible considerations of focus shift in language education, from extensive vocabulary knowledge to functional language and interpersonal skills. Findings indicate that while digital tools aid communication, they cannot replace the intricacies of interpersonal communication. This underscores the need for language education that combines technological tools with a focus on practical communication abilities.