THE USE OF INSTAGRAM TO EXPAND ENGLISH VOCABULARY: CASE STUDY OF STUDENTS IN ENGLISH VILLAGE PARE

Özet

This study explores the effectiveness of Instagram as a medium for learning English vocabulary in an informal learning environment, specifically in Kampung Inggris Pare, Indonesia. Vocabulary is a key element in language proficiency, yet many learners struggle to acquire it due to limited contextual exposure and lack of engagement in traditional methods. With the increasing integration of digital platforms into daily life, Instagram offers visual, interactive, and user-generated content that aligns with learners’ lifestyles. This qualitative case study involved eight purposively selected students participating in English language programs. Data were collected through vocabulary tracking sheets and structured interviews over a two-week period. The findings show that participants used Instagram for an average of 2.5 hours per day, with 40–60% of that time spent engaging with English educational content. On average, learners acquired 6–10 new words daily through features like reels with subtitles, educational image posts, and interactive stories. Most participants reported learning over 100 words in two weeks and experienced increased confidence in speaking and writing. Although 35% of participants encountered distractions from non-educational content, several managed this by using separate accounts for study purposes. The study concludes that Instagram can serve as an effective and motivating tool for vocabulary learning when used consciously and strategically. Its visual and contextual design supports incidental learning and self-regulated strategies, making it highly suitable for digital-native learners in informal learning contexts.