Laying the groundwork for a historical overview of high-impact CALL papers

Abstract

This study traces the evolution of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) through published Research Articles (RAs) in four major journals: ReCALL, CALL, Language Learning & Technology (LL&T), and CALICO Journal. The paper outlines the rationale and the methodology of this, which begins with downloading all 2,397 full RAs published in English, from the very first issues up to the end of 2019. This preliminary report already gives an overview of the history of the field; in particular, the increasing number of papers attests to the healthy state of research in CALL. Subsequent analysis focuses on a subcorpus of 426 papers chosen by the frequency of citation in each year as a gauge of impact within the community. The final analysis will use computer tools to help identify methodologies, themes, and theories as they rise and fall over the years.