The use of Whatsapp in today’s mobile language teaching and learning
This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of ICTs in the teaching and learning of foreign languages, in particular the use of WhatsApp in the Certificate in Portuguese programme offered by the Institute of Distance Education of the University of Eswatini. Theoretical aspects will be combined with practical examples of what has been happening on the WhatsApp platform since 2013 with learners of Portuguese. The practical part comes from field research undertaken by the tutor as a direct observer of activities and feedback between lecturers, tutors and students. The impact of COVID19 on the use of WhatsApp will also be looked at briefly. In conclusion, it will be noted that WhatsApp is a valuable environment to ensure that teaching and learning continues beyond the classroom and can be an important motivator for lifelong learning.