Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 615

Proceedings of the 2021 4th International Conference on Humanities Education and

Social Sciences (ICHESS 2021)

Implication from Incidental and Intentional Learning

in Taking up a Foreign Language
Yishan Lu1,*
1
School of atmospheric science, Lanzhou University, Gansu, 730000, China
*
Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
This paper reviews some identical methods in incidental learning and intentional learning and illustrates the implication
of the learning strategies in learning a foreign language. In incidental learning, this paper mainly collects the former and
recent research in the literature on video games, background music and cartoon contents. Except for gathering the
materials from review and research literature, this paper selects a video posted on YouTube. The blogger promulgates
a new theory on map video games and analyses some of the opinions and thoughts from the blogger net citizens. And
the paper exemplifies the effect that exciting and upset background music are complementary in maintaining the
accuracy, complexity and fluency of a second language. In addition, watching cartoons to improve the apprehension in
daily communication or professional knowledge is a double-edged sword. It is closely linked to the positive cartoon
contents and time distribution in the whole process. For intentional learning, this paper introduces the former research
on the efficiency of conventional teaching methods in class such as word-list, flashcards. In addition, due to the
insufficiency and shortcomings in intentional learning, this paper introduces some other intentional methods by utilizing
technology and reinforcing the role of teachers in the whole learning process. Apart from that, this paper defines the
application and limitation of incidental learning and intentional learning methods and puts up with the improvement and
implication on each method. Based on these two methods to facilitate vocabulary efficiency and retention, the paper
raises a new English learning mode: Data-Driven Learning (DDL) which requires learners’ high quality of thinking and
recognizing skills and adds the relevant factors such as learners’ vocabulary proficiency, working memory and
familiarity with this new approach.

Keywords: Incidental Learning, Intentional Learning, Video Games, Data-driven Learning

1. INTRODUCTION which requires a higher level of thinking skills and

possesses richer resources to explore and exploit.
When learning a new language, it takes a long time to
accumulate mistakes, lessons and experiences and 2. INCIDENTAL LEARNING IN
repeatedly practice. Apart from time and effort, proper LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
and efficient strategies also play an important part in the
learning process. This paper is based on instructive and Incidental learning is typically focused on
unconscious learning and settled on the long-term and unconscious learning and mostly occurs in informal
short-term memory in vocabulary. Apart from that, it situations in which the subjects absorb knowledge
stands on the angles of supporters and learners to quickly and diversely. In most cases, the incidental
introduce two learning strategies in language learning-- learning methods are educational and technological,
incidental learning and intentional learning. This review which contain cartoon and background music and video
paper covers the typical methods in these two strategies games.
to analyze their application and limitation as well as the
implication of improvement and development from these 2.1. Background Music
two strategies in language learning. In addition,
considering the former research, this paper also Varnosfaderani & Shahaboddin mentions that happy
represents a new learning strategy--data-driven learning, and sad music complement the accuracy, complexity and
fluency of a second language [1]. Bokiev and Ismail

Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press SARL.

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 Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 615

insist that teachers’ beliefs and ways of using music and new paths and unlock the next level in the designed
songs are related to the positive responses from students context, which allow them to comprehend the
[2]. Although incidental learning targets unconscious instructions and background of each shot in a foreign
learning, it is essential to search and collect proper language and simultaneously improve themselves
materials to arouse students’ interest to explore and learn followed the accumulation of time and countless
new things on their own. practices. For example, if the player intends to find the
treasures, he or she needs to understand “Turn left” on
2.2. Cartoon Contents the instruction board and the relevant clues and
background along the road and then precisely targets the
Ciobanu mentions that both animated cartoons and goal. And after several times of completing the missions
animation films can develop children’s emotional and then getting a higher rank, they have unconsciously
intelligence and cognitive abilities with the limitation and gained some words or phrases. DeHaan and Chen argue
control of teachers [3]. Even if the cartoon discussions that language use can be improved diffusely and
and flowing pictures on screens will capture the students’ comprehensively in the aural and textual way [6, 7]. For
attention to be quiet on the storyline and communication instance, the participants sometimes need to form a team.
among characters, the content and time distribution During this process, they can turn on the microphone to
should be well organized and monitored by teachers or speak out or just type on the chat frame to discuss the
supporters to avoid the addiction to fiction. Since the routines and plans, improving their English
children have little control and limitation, they are communicative competencies.
supposed to be circumscribed on how long to spend on
the cartoons. In addition, Lodhi holds that the quality of On YouTube, a blogger named John Harris is putting
cartoon content is essential to children’s self- up with a new conception--The Video Game Map Theory
development on language and personality [4]. Filled with in learning a new language. Harris states that the general
curiosity and desire for exploration, children are acute on goal in video games map is to beat everything, including
the external world and more easily to try and intimate beating the bosses and meeting with many gates, trials,
others’ behaviour without much assessment. For and gatekeepers. To move on, the players must look up
instance, as the protagonists work together to pass subjunctive conjugation and other grammar rules in
through the levels and then protect their fellows from books and memorize them to pass the tests and move on.
being eaten by monsters, it is likely to shape the idea that But the thing is that the players cannot fully understand
friendship is to enjoy blessings and endure misfortune those regulations even if they beat the final boss. In
together. However, as cartoon contents are covered with China, it is usual to notice that teachers will teach some
negative thoughts and values, children will be misguided uncommon words such as “igloo” and “pajamas”, which
to behave badly no matter on campus or at home. seldom occur in daily conversation even if the initial
purpose is identifying objects and speaking out of them
in English. In that case, if the quests of each level become
2.3. Video Games
more direct, it may work well.
In terms of video games, Newcombe argues that According to Harris, who knows nothing about Italian
video games act as an expansion of teaching materials at first, he plans to memorize 1000 words used in daily
and request a high level of learning abilities such as life in the first step and then start talking early with
collaboration and independent exploration [5]. And natives. Using the most important words maximally
Newcombe adds that in video games, according to shortens the preparation time and leave more space for
different levels and ages of the learners, “customized” utilizing and practising. In the end, the grammar can be
accessibility offers expediency for learners to understand put into use to correct the mistakes in former
and complete within the scope of competence [5]. conversations. It seems that the learning process is
Suppose the video game is designed in an unchanged making a coat and mastering the words and
mode. In that case, the higher-level learners may not meet communicating with others are like stitching all fabrics
the challenge and regard it as a waste of time. Lower- and decorations. At that point, the coat can shelter from
level learners may find it hard and consider it a rain and wind. And learning grammar is like checking
consumption of patience and confidence, and curiosity. excessive threads to meet the standard. Harris also
In addition, Newcombe also refers that the “identity” mentions, “language isn’t math”. It infers that the
triggers autonomous learning and expels the learners to mistakes in grammar and in math are unequal. For
explore culture and ideas [5]. And DeHaan and Chen instance, we cannot accept that one plus one equals two.
hold the view that the learners can improve their learning But encountering a phrase like “I am like to play cat”, our
skills and acquire vocabulary items when enjoying brain will translate it into “I like to play with cats.” It does
playing video games [6, 7]. In a video game, the rank of not hinder us from understanding the information. In a
each character is equivalent to how many monsters are word, the fault tolerance of language is large, and
beaten or how difficult the game level is passed through. language is basically a tool to serve for information
To get a higher level, the players are supposed to discover translation.

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In addition, DeHaan and Chen also refer to the students can work to cooperate together by testing one
controllability in video games [6, 7]. It means that video another or applying new words in conversation.
games are closer to the conversation in real life, and we
Webb holds that intentional learning has an
cannot pause others’ outputting words and then write
immediate effect, but it cannot delay the influence for a
them down to analyze the verb structure or past tenses
long period [13]. And Webb adds that word-list and
and so on. Hence, even if some settings are carefully
flashcards work more efficiently and effectively than
designed, the audiences cannot fully absorb and
writing and fill-in-blanks [13]. It implies that intentional
assimilate all the words or phrases, and the value of the
learning is mainly focused on form instead of the weight
game will be discounted. DeHaan illustrates that how to
of meaning. In other words, writing and fill-in-blanks are
balance attending to gameplay and vocabulary at the
inclined to deeper thinking and creation.
same time is still essential [8]. That depends on learners’
ability to handle multitasks. In intentional learning, the extrinsic supporter not
only acts as the beacon and wind director to guide and
3. INTENTIONAL LEARNING IN rectify direction, but they need to invoke the interest and
VOCABULARY LEARNING intrinsic engagement of subjects.

According to Spector, intentional learning suggests a 4. THE IMPLICATION OF INCIDENTAL

recognized learning goal, and those rational agents, LEARNING AND INTENTIONAL
including the implementer and supporter, will all get LEARNING IN VOCABULARY
involved in the process to realize the target [9]. Hung
LEARNING
claims that intentional learners positively utilize the
necessary materials to serve a specific goal and arrange According to the former conclusion of the
the learning missions in an orderly [10]. And in terms of relationship between incidental learning and intentional
intentional learning, Hung adds that it can be determined learning, Sok summarizes that “Incidental learning is
by two origins--external assistance (e.g. the tasks and presumed to entail focal attention to meaning and
quizzes designed by teachers) and internal force (the peripheral attention to form, while intentional learning is
interests and self-determination), which are the presumed to entail the reverse: focal attention to form and
combination of self-evaluation and self-determination peripheral attention to meaning” [14]. Taking a new
[10]. Learners are the subjects of the whole learning learner who reads an English book as an example. I
process. No matter how innovative and fascinating the would regard that incidental learning means that the
teaching contents are designed, if the subjects cannot stay learner looks through the whole context and intends to
focused on the target, the value of the content will be guess and clarify the storyline without entangling in the
discounted and diminished. In addition, with the help of meaning of a single word or grammar. And incidental
proper applications such as the introduction of electronic learning means that the learner finds the prefix and suffix
media, the learners will finally reach their destination. to better memorize a word. But Barcroft holds that the
And the teachers can utilize the online applications to two items should be regarded as two endpoints of a
estimate and monitor students’ learning levels and their continuum [15]. Even if both ends of the continuum are
ideal state to help the learners ensure their strengths and not virtually linked together, they are influenced by each
weaknesses. According to Serrano & Huang, short-term other indirectly. Schmitt and Won claim that intentional
vocabulary learning, combined with intentionally learning weighs more than incidental learning [16, 17].
repeated reading sessions, still works well [11]. Other According to Sok, combining the two kinds of learning
auxiliary skills such as listening and reading methods benefits more than either method, and Sok
comprehension should be placed in the space to maintain insists that it works better when incidental learning
longer retention memory of the vocabulary. follows intentional learning [14]. For instance,
According to the former frameworks, Spector “Repeatedly memorizing the words, again and again,
concludes that the technologies should add details related makes perfect” is popular among the group who prepare
to particular problem-solving and decision-making tasks for the GRE test. If the students incidentally learn the
[9]. Hung mentions intentional vocabulary learning using words that are long and professional by reading a lot of
digital cards individually and collaboratively in and out journals or books, it takes much time but only partly
of class [12]. As for children in kinder gardens, it is maintains the words. As a result, according to the
essential to use digital cards which are designed with students who get distinction in the GRE test, the first
children’s favorite cartoon characters and comprised of round of only memorizing the shape and meaning quickly
lovely dubbing. And children can press the button to and roughly lays the solid foundation and repeats the
review the word pronunciation or just listen to the chat procedure repeatedly. After several times, bringing the
between characters to get familiar with the sentence words into professional articles and contacting context to
structure. In addition, for the small groups in class, associate the meaning will eventually strengthen the
understanding. Both two kinds play an important role in
expanding the learning dimension, and they are similar to

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the left hand and right hand of a person. Some are skilled external and extrinsic supply to learners. For example,
in using the right hand, and others are right-handed. But with the help of some monitoring measures, the
solely using either of the hands cannot hold a heavy rock supporters can assist students in setting up self-evaluation
for such a long time. and consolidate the self-determination in the learning
process, as well as rectifying the mistakes and instructing
Junttila put up with four ways in learning foreign
in the right direction.
words and meanings--incidental learning, intentional
learning with production, intentional learning without Both two methods are helpful to get in touch with a
production, and cross-situational statistical learning [18]. new language. And the learners intend to combine these
And these methods are selective and applicable to two methods together or add other innovative ideas and
different audiences. Junttila states that for children aged methods which translates the short-term memory into
5-8 years old, completing intentional missions with long-term and workable knowledge.
production can reinforce the meaning of the words [18].
Apart from incidental learning and intentional
As children intend to memorize the words in a particular
learning, data-driven learning also plays a role in foreign
aim, the attention will be more concentrated and purer. In
language learning. According to Alruwaili, DDL is a
addition, Junttila points that phonological processing
communicative, task-based strategy that facilitates
skills and age still associate with intentional and
autonomous learning by discovering and exploring. The
incidental learning tasks [18].
learners are supposed to have a high quality of thinking
Zandieh states that CALL (Computer Assisted and to manage to utilize the data resources [20]. Lee
Language Learning) offers language learners more mentions that DDL-focused methods have influenced the
alternatives to get immersed in learning and attain better learners’ vocabulary acquisition and long-term
consequences [19]. Not only does the computer act as a maintenances [21]. Men believe that there is a distinct
tool for beginners to boost learning and exploit improvement in learners’ behavior on collocation
knowledge, but also it narrows the possibility space and production in language idiomaticity by using a data-
reduces the uncertainty to facilitate exploring and driven learning strategy [22]. Considering the large space
autonomous learning. in corpus data, the learners will have more alternatives
and options to search for the right answers by themselves.
Even if these kinds of learning methods can be
However, according to Alruwaili and Lee, the efficiency
translated into different kinds of permutations and
of DDL is linked to learners’ vocabulary proficiency,
combinations, the implicit and explicit of teachers’
working memory and familiarity with this new approach
instruction also plays an important part in students’
[20, 21].
learning. In addition, self-determination and self-
construction are regarded as the engine's fuel to
constantly push the subjects forward. Apart from that, the 5. CONCLUSION
outcomes cannot be separated from time and effort. No In this review, the paper mainly introduces the typical
matter what kind of refined methods the learners take, it methods in incidental learning and intentional learning
is inevitable to fully engage in learning. To some extent, and the implication of analyzing the two methods.
the payoff is closely linked to the feedback. Incidental learning is typically concentrated on
These two kinds of learning approaches have a direct unconscious learning and mostly occurs in informal
relationship between learners and supporters. For situations, which stimulate and maintain the subjects’
learners, the intrinsic and internal power reinforces self- self-discovery and self-determination. In most cases, the
development and self-determination. Language learning incidental learning methods are educational and
is a long-term struggle and requires constant persistence. technological, which contain cartoon and background
Some Chinese students who have excellent English music and video games. Intentional learning is always
pronunciation, so they select American TV series to arranged orderly and regularly, and learners will utilize
intimate characters’ American English pronunciation relevant materials to realize the particular targets with the
sentence by sentence to develop language sense and supporters monitoring and rectifying the self-evaluation.
speaking tunes for several years. In addition, utilizing Intentional learning is used to be regarded as
background music that possesses the sense of rhythm, the conventional and traditional learning methods in a class,
fantasy of cartoon contents and the content settings in which can be easily explained as outdated and
video games will maintain the familiarity and interest in meaningless. But it works well in short-term memory and
language learning. And it is also essential to set up targets cooperating better with up-to-date technologies such as
and goals along the road. For instance, passing TOEFL adjusted digital flashcards.
and GRE is necessary for students who plan to study The concentration in incidental learning is the internal
abroad. Even if the learners have met with the period of meaning of the words or vocabulary, which is likely to
stagnation in speaking or writing, most of them will still boost long-term learning. The focus on intentional
reflect on the past learning mode and then adjust the learning is language's external form and structure, which
strategy. For supporters, they are supposed to provide

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is efficient in short-term retentions. Both of the two [9] Spector, J. M., & Kim, C. (2014). Technologies for
methods have advantages and disadvantages, and they intentional learning: Beyond a cognitive
are targeted at different aspects. Hence, learners should perspective. Australian Journal of Education, 58
weigh the extent of utilizing the methods. And combining (1), 9-22.
these two methods will attain an ideal result that can
translate immediately memorized words or syntactic [10] Hung, W. (2014). Intrinsic and extrinsic intentional
structure into workable and applicable resources. In learning: The difference made by self-
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data-driven learning methods. It is an innovative way to (1), 50-58.
propel autonomous learning and self-discovery but [11] Serrano, R., & Huang, H. Y. (2021). Time
requires high quality of thinking skills. Above all, other distribution and intentional vocabulary learning
methods in incidental learning and intentional learning through repeated reading: a partial replication and
still exist, which are supposed to be created and extension. Language Awareness, 1-19.
improved.
[12] Hung, H. T. (2015). Intentional vocabulary learning
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