Enhancing Foreign Language Learning Through Social Media Applications: A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach

Abstract

The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was employed to evaluate and rank language-learning applications based on criteria such as engagement, interactivity, feedback, content quality and usability. A pairwise comparison matrix was constructed, fuzzy logic was applied to convert qualitative judgements into numerical values, and these values were normalised to calculate crisp weights for each criterion. These weights assessed and ranked five popular language-learning apps: Duolingo, Busuu, Babbel, Memrise and Tandem. The results show Duolingo ranking highest with an aggregate score of 20.912, demonstrating superior performance across all criteria. Busuu and Babbel followed with scores of 18.541 and 18.485, respectively, while Memrise and Tandem scored 17.260 and 17.024. The FAHP methodology effectively addresses uncertainty in the evaluation process, offering a structured and reliable framework for users and educators to select the most suitable language-learning tool.