Sitcoms as a Tool for EFL Learning: A Systematic Review of Language Skills Improvement.

María Karina Arcentales Abad; Valeria Chumbi Landy

doi:10.29166/kronos.v6i2.7788

Authors

María Karina Arcentales Abad UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE EDUCACIÓN
Valeria Chumbi Landy Universidad Nacional de Educación

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29166/kronos.v6i2.7788

Keywords:

Sitcoms, EFL instruction, language skills development, cultural awareness, Communicative Language Teaching

Abstract

This study examines the use of sitcoms as instructional tools in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts and their impact on language skills development. Due to their cultural, linguistic, and contextual value, sitcoms provide
learners with exposure to authentic and everyday English. The methodology involved a systematic analysis of selected studies using predefined criteria to ensure rigor and relevance. Findings indicate that most research has focused on
intermediate and advanced learners, primarily in Asia and Latin America, with high schools and universities serving as the most common educational settings. Although sitcoms are recognized as motivating and culturally rich tools for language acquisition, their implementation in English institutes and informal learning environments remains limited,
possibly due to insufficient teacher training and curricular restrictions. From a methodological perspective, approaches such as Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Conversation Analysis (CA), and Intercultural Competence align
closely with sitcom-based learning because they emphasize authentic communication, real-life language use, and social interaction. Sitcoms expose learners to everyday situations, idiomatic expressions, and natural conversational patterns,
reinforcing these pedagogical approaches while offering accessible opportunities for language practice. In addition, activities such as role-plays, guided discussions, and contextual analysis based on sitcom episodes contribute to the devel
opment of communicative and intercultural competencies. The reviewed studies also report improvements in speaking skills, vocabulary acquisition, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Overall, the findings suggest that sitcoms are dynamic and engaging teaching resources that effectively support language learning and communicative competence in
real-world contexts..

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Author Biographies

María Karina Arcentales Abad, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE EDUCACIÓN

Universidad Nacional de Educación-Ecuador

Valeria Chumbi Landy, Universidad Nacional de Educación

Valeria Chumbi Landy is an experienced English Language Teacher with a Master’s degree in English Teaching Pedagogy from Casa Grande University and currently a PhD candidate. With over 8 years of experience as a university professor at public institutions, Valeria is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. Specializing in interactive activities, authentic materials, and a combination of Communicative and Eclectic teaching methods, she helps students effectively acquire English. In addition to teaching, Valeria is actively engaged in research and has published articles in indexed journals related to second language learning. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, she strives to foster inclusive and motivating classrooms.

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