The Impact of English Cartoon Movies on Vocabulary Acquisition Among EFL Learners

Fitra Ramadani; M Arbain; Hartatya Novika

doi:10.59024/ijellacush.v4i3.1882

Authors

Fitra Ramadani Universitas Islam kalimantan
M Arbain Universitas Islam Kalimantan
Hartatya Novika Universitas Islam Kalimantan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59024/ijellacush.v4i3.1882

Keywords:

EFL Learners, English Cartoon Movies, Multimedia-Assisted Language Learning, Vocabulary Acquisition, Vocabulary Retention

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of English cartoon movies on vocabulary acquisition among EFL learners, with a focus on both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. It also explores retention and the influence of mediating variables such as proficiency level and captioning. Employing a one-group pretest-posttest design, the study involved 25 purposively selected junior high school EFL students with limited English exposure outside the classroom. Participants first completed a vocabulary pretest, then received treatment through guided exposure to an English cartoon movie (e.g., Dora the Explorer), and finally took a posttest. The results revealed a significant improvement in vocabulary scores, with the mean increasing from 75.16 (pretest) to 87.92 (posttest), yielding a mean gain of 12.76 points. Statistical analysis using a paired sample t-test produced a t-value of 5.21 (p < 0.05), indicating that the difference was statistically significant. These findings support Dual Coding Theory and Constructivist learning principles, emphasizing the role of multimedia input in enhancing vocabulary learning. The use of cartoon-based audiovisual media proved effective across varying proficiency levels, narrowing learning gaps and promoting contextual vocabulary retention.

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