Abstract

Abstract: LanguageBug: a speak-first approach to language learning is a mobile-based software designed to teach Novice-level, Brazilian Portuguese to self-motivated, adult learners. LanguageBug focuses on helping learners build the speaking skill, but also presents metacognitive principles based on growth mindset to address the problem of foreign language anxiety. The main features of LanguageBug are: exercises (structured prompts to engage learners in speaking practice), self-assessment videos (where learners can record themselves speaking Portuguese to assess their formative progress), and principles (which scaffold learners to understand and apply efficient language learning strategies). The learning theories and design principles that support LanguageBug are: Constructivism, Cognitive Load Theory, and Embodied Cognition.

Keywords: language learning, foreign language anxiety, metacognition, growth mindset, CALL, MALL.