http://www.alscjournal.com/index.php/alsc <p>In order to be an effective communicator in today’s interconnected world, beside being technologically savvy there is also a need to be aware of how language shape different social realities. Learning a foreign language, teaching foreign languages and intercultural communication are only few of the domains that one should take into account when discussing applied language studies.<br />After carefully reviewing existing journals of applied language and studies, our institution saw a possibility to add to the existing body of publications by establishing a journal where researchers will be able to express their unique approach towards applied language topics by following the concepts of post-positivistic and cultural criticism approach. </p> London College of United Knowledge en-US The International Journal of Applied Language Studies and Culture 2631-8946 http://www.alscjournal.com/index.php/alsc/article/view/52 <p>In Morocco, research in the area of video games’ effects on language learning and language acquisition remains relatively unexplored. This research aimed to explore whether gamers can acquire vocabulary through video games or not. To test that, an online vocabulary levels test was distributed to English-speaking students from different universities in Morocco, then scores were compared using SPSS 25. The difference between the scores of gamers and those of non-gamers was not significant. However, gamers who focused on the voice-acting and dialogues of video games performed much better than gamers who focused on other aspects, such as gameplay, and story. Overall, the results suggest that the effect video games may have on students who major in English Studies or majors that are taught in English are minimal. That is not to say that the effect is non-existent. Based on the implications of these results and while taking into account the infrastructure of Moroccan education, if video games are to be employed as educational tools in the classroom, we suggested visual novels, a video game genre that focuses on character interaction and dialogue.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> Abdennour Sabiri Copyright (c) 2025 Abdennour Sabiri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 8 1 1 28 10.34301/alsc.v8i1.47 http://www.alscjournal.com/index.php/alsc/article/view/51 <p>&nbsp;Higher education is characterized by high enrolment rates, which are driven by students' desire for both academic and professional development. Students used to pursue their studies through traditional interactions or in-person classes. However, during the Covid19 pandemic, the education field was forced to rapidly transition from face-to-face classes to online instruction, presenting university students with unprecedented challenges. Several issues have emerged as a result of online learning, including limited access to reliable internet and digital devices, which creates disparities in learning opportunities. In an unstructured environment, many students struggled with time management and self-control. The lack of face-to-face interaction caused feelings of isolation and decreased motivation. Moreover, the learning process was further hindered by technical difficulties and unfamiliarity with digital platforms.</p> Mohamed El-kachlaoui Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamed El-kachlaoui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 8 1 29 45 10.34301/alsc.v8i1.48