Higher Education Student’s Perceptions on English Movies for English Vocabulary Acquisition

Ichsan Buchyatutthalibin Al Fatah, Intan Permata Hapsari

Abstract


Grounded in Krashen’s Input Hypothesis and Nation’s theory of vocabulary learning from context, this study explores English Language Education students’ experiences of learning vocabulary through English movies by examining their perceptions of the benefits and effectiveness of English movies for vocabulary acquisition, the types of vocabulary they acquire and how their vocabulary develops over time, and the challenges they encounter during the learning process. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected from 25 English Language Education students through open-ended questionnaires and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings reveal that students perceive English movies as an engaging and effective medium for vocabulary acquisition because they provide authentic language input in meaningful communicative contexts. Participants reported acquiring various types of vocabulary, particularly daily expressions, slang, idioms, and cultural expressions, while regular exposure gradually expanded their vocabulary knowledge and enhanced listening comprehension, pronunciation, speaking confidence, and cultural understanding. Although students encountered challenges related to fast speech, unfamiliar expressions, different accents, and context-dependent meanings, they adopted strategies such as using English subtitles, replaying scenes, and consulting dictionaries or translation applications. Overall, English movies provide meaningful contextual exposure that facilitates vocabulary acquisition and promotes autonomous English language learning.


Keywords


English Movies; English Language Education Students; Vocabulary Acquisition; Students’ Perceptions; Vocabulary Learning Experiences

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdul Karim, S., Kumalasari, D., Lailla Ningrum, P., Qurrota A’yun, S., Justinio, M., & Amin Aziz, Y. (2024). Watching English Movies to Enhance EFL Students’ Listening Ability. Edu Cendikia: Jurnal Ilmiah Kependidikan, 4(02), 212–221. https://doi.org/10.47709/educendikia.v4i02.4335

Adrefiza, A., Wulandari, K., & Haryanti, R. (2024). The habit of watching English movies in improving vocabulary: What do the students say? Langue (Journal of Language and Education), 3(1). https://doi.org/10.22437/langue.v3i1.3814

Ajisoko, P. (2020). The Use of Duolingo Apps to Improve English Vocabulary Learning. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (IJET), 15(07), 149–155. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i07.13229

Alfaiz, M. K., Said, I., & Irianti, L. (2025). Exploring how exposure to pop culture English movies enriches vocabulary. Journal of English Education Program (JEEP), 12(1), 56–67. https://doi.org/10.25157/(jeep).v12i1.17815

Alhazmi, K. (2024). The effect of multimedia on vocabulary learning and retention. World Journal of English Language, 14(6), 390–402. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v14n6p390

Annisa, R., Wahyuni, S., & Hidayat, N. (2025). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF QUIZIZZ TO IMPROVE STUDENTS ’ VOCABULARY : A CASE STUDY OF 7 th GRADE AT SMPN 14. 12(3), 225–234. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32682/jeell.v12i3.98

Apulisa, U., Novitri, N., & Masyhur, M. (2021). The correlation between English department students’ habit in watching English movies and their vocabulary knowledge. JEE (Journal of English Education), 7(1), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.30606/jee.v7i1.825

Br Simamora, M. W., & Oktaviani, L. (2020). What is your favorite movie? A strategy of English education students to improve English vocabulary. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 1(2), 44–49. https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v1i2.604

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Dindar, M., Ren, L., & Järvenoja, H. (2021). An experimental study on the effects of gamified cooperation and competition on English vocabulary learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(1), 142–159. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12977

Dizon, G., & Thanyawatpokin, B. (2024). Language learning with Netflix: Exploring the effects of dual subtitles on vocabulary learning and listening comprehension. Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 22(3), 52–65. https://callej.org/index.php/journal/article/view/352

Fikriyah, A., Joni, D. A. A. W., & Widiastuti, I. A. M. S. (2021). The correlation between habit of watching English movies and vocabulary mastery of the tenth-grade of SMAN 1 Kuta Selatan in academic year 2020/2021. Academic Journal on English Studies (AJOES), 1(2). https://e-journal.unmas.ac.id/index.php/ajoes/article/view/3600

Huong, N. G., & Ngoc, N. T. T. (2024). An Investigation into English-Majored Sophomores’ Perceptions of English Movies to Improve Vocabulary at HUIT. Journal of Knowledge Learning and Science Technology, 3(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.60087/jklst.vol3.no1.p62

Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Pergamon.

Lestari, I. W., & Hardiyanti, N. (2020). Vocabulary learning autonomy through incorporation of English songs: Indonesian EFL students’ perspectives. 3L: Language, Linguistics, Literature, 26(2), 94–104. https://doi.org/10.17576/3L-2020-2

Lien, N. T. A., & Dan, T. C. (2024). EFL students’ perceptions and practices towards watching English movies in speaking skills development. European Journal of Alternative Education Studies, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejae.v9i1.5335

Maulida, S., & Warni, S. (2024). Students’ Perceptions Toward the Impact of English Movies on Students’ Vocabulary Knowledge. SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education, 5, 666–680. https://doi.org/10.35961/salee.v5i2.1448

Mayer, R. E. (2021). Multimedia Learning (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Mazlan, L. M., & Kamal, M. A. A. (2022). Students’ perceptions on the use of English movies to enhance English language competency. Journal of Creative Practices in Language Learning and Teaching, 10(2), 1–10. https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/81096

Mohamed, S., Kosim, K., Mackry, M., & Ridzuan Lotfi, N. H. (2023). The use of English-subtitled movies in improving English language proficiency. SHARE: Social Work, Humanities and Education Journal, 7(2), 1–13. https://share.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/share/article/view/269

Mubarokah, E. N., & Rizal, D. (2025). EFL Students’ Perceptions on Watching English Movies as Audio-Visual Media to Improve Student’s Vocabulary Mastery. JETLEE: Journal of English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 5(2), 169–180. https://doi.org/10.47766/jetlee.v5i2.5075

Nation, I. S. P. (2022). Learning vocabulary in another language. In Cambridge University Press.

Rahmah, L. N. A., & Pranata, M. S. A. (2024). Students’ experiences in using English movies to improve students’ speaking skills. Journal of English Language and Education (JELE), 9(4), 149–156. https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v9i4.52

Rosalia, R., Purwanti, I. T., & Novitri. (2024). EFL Learners’ Perceptions on the Use of English Movies in Learning Vocabulary. Jurnal PAJAR (Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran), 8(6). https://doi.org/10.33578/pjr.v8i6.9835

Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach (7th ed.). Wiley.

Sun, D., Chen, Z., & Zhu, S. (2023). What affects second language vocabulary learning? Evidence from multivariate analysis. Frontiers in Education, 8, 1210640. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1210640

Teng, F. (2023). Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: Perspectives and Practices. Routledge.

Tnomat, D., Billik, M. O., & Banu, T. B. J. (2022). The Implementation of Short English Movie to Improve Students’ Vocabulary Mastery in Interpretive Listening Class. SAGA: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 3(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.21460/saga.2022.31.121

Younas, M., & Dong, Y. (2024). The impact of using animated movies in learning English language vocabulary: An empirical study of Lahore, Pakistan. SAGE Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241258398




DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v11i4.3117

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Ichsan Buchyatutthalibin Al Fatah, Intan Permata Hapsari

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.