Perceptions and practices of watching English-dubbed anime and perceived speaking skill improvement among diploma TESL students in Malaysia

Authors

  • Muhammad Ammar Azman Management and Science University, Malaysia
  • Abu Bakar Ibrahim Management and Science University, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/

Keywords:

Audiovisual input, English-dubbed anime, Informal language learning, Perceived speaking, TESL students

Abstract

In modern education, English has become a key global language for communication, making proficiency especially important for many non-native speakers. This study investigates the perceptions and practices of Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (DTESL) students at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) Kota Bharu in watching English-dubbed anime and how these relate to their perceived improvement in speaking skill. A cross-sectional quantitative correlational design was applied, involving a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 376 DTESL students at KPTM Kota Bharu. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 27 through descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation and simple linear regression analyses to examine associations between students’ perceptions, practices and perceived speaking skill improvement. The results indicate that students generally held positive perceptions toward English-dubbed anime in relation to their perceived speaking-related learning experiences. They also indicate that both positive perceptions and active practices such as repetition, imitation and repeated viewing were significantly associated with perceived speaking skill improvement. These findings suggest that English-dubbed anime may be associated with learners’ perceived speaking development within informal audiovisual contexts. The study offers pedagogical insights for TESL educators and curriculum developers on how informal multimedia resources may relate to students’ perceived speaking-related learning experiences. However, the findings are limited to learners’ self-reported perceptions collected within a single institutional context. Future research is encouraged to incorporate longitudinal designs and objective speaking assessments to further explore speaking development across different learner populations.

References

Ahmad, W. I. W., & Yamat, H. (2020). Students’ perceptions of learning English through conventional and digital storytelling. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v10- i2/6945

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

Azmuddin, R. A., & Mohd Radzuan, N. R. (2020). Teaching and learning languages in multimedia environments in higher education. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 10, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijleal.v10.4411

Bagalay, B. D., Bayan, R. T., Caliboso, J. C., & Batang, B. L. (2021). Anxiety in classroom oral participation among ESL college students. TESOL International Journal, 16(4).

Corpuz, L. J. R. (2020). Anime with English subtitles: Tool in expanding second language learners’ vocabulary and syntactic complexity. International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning, 7, 1–13. https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/paperpdf-1602072122.pdf

Cronbach, L. J. (1951). Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests. Psychometrika, 16(3), 297–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02310555

Huang, Y., Zhang, Z., Yu, J., Liu, X., & Huang, Y. (2022). English phrase learning with multimodal input. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 828022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.828022

Kamal, S. S. L. A., & Alias, N. Z. (2025). Exploring parental involvement in children’s English as a Second Language (ESL) learning across different socioeconomic contexts. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 15(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijleal.v15i1.11083

Lee, J. S., & Chiu, M. M. (2023). Modeling EFL learners’ willingness to communicate: The roles of face-to-face and digital L2 communication anxiety. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 43, 64–87. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190523000090

Mayer, R. E. (2020). Multimedia learning (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316941355

Montero Perez, M. (2022). Second or foreign language learning through watching audiovisual input and the role of on-screen text. Language Teaching, 55(2), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444821000501

Nasab, Z. H., & Rahimi, M. (2023). The impact of multimedia-enhanced STEAM activities on foreign language learners’ development of oracy skills and willingness to communicate. Bulletin of Education and Research, 45(2), 67–92.

Nget, S., Pansri, O., & Poohongthong, C. (2020). The effect of task-based instruction in improving the English-speaking skills of ninth-graders. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 13(2), 208–224.

Pattemore, A., Suárez, M.-M., & Muñoz, C. (2024). Perceptions of learning from audiovisual input and changes in L2 viewing preferences: The roles of on-screen text and proficiency. ReCALL, 36(2), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344024000065

Pu, P., & Chang, D. Y.-S. (2023). Effects of different input modes on blended EFL speaking instruction: A quasi-experimental study. Computer Assisted Language Learning, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2023.2273853

Reinders, H., & Benson, P. (2017). Research agenda: Language learning beyond the classroom. Language Teaching, 50(4), 561–578. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444817000192

Saito, K., Suzukida, Y., & Sun, H. (2019). Aptitude, experience, and second language pronunciation proficiency development in classroom settings. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 41(1), 201–225. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263117000432

Santuri, B., Widiarini, I. A. M., & Saifudin, A. (2022). Development of animated dubbing video as learning media in English speaking at senior high school. Journal of Development Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.28926/jdr.v6i1.167

Teng, M. F. (2022). The effectiveness of multimedia input on vocabulary learning and retention. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 17(3), 738–754. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2022.2131791

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Zayraey, J. R., & Katawazai, R. (2025). The impacts of watching videos on improving tertiary-level students’ English language speaking skill. Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.62810/jssh.v2i1.9

Published

2026-09-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Azman, M. A., & Ibrahim, A. B. (2026). Perceptions and practices of watching English-dubbed anime and perceived speaking skill improvement among diploma TESL students in Malaysia. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 16(3), 218-228. https://doi.org/10.15282/

Share