THE ROLE OF HUMOUR IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES: A STUDY ON ENHANCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

This article investigates the significance of incorporating humour as a pedagogical tool in teaching foreign languages, with a specific focus on English language instruction. The study aims to explore the impact of humour on students’ motivation, engagement, and overall language acquisition process. To gather empirical data, an online survey was conducted among a diverse group of language learners, consisting of individuals from various linguistic backgrounds and proficiency levels. For this study, a survey of 34 questions was designed (multiple choice and Likert scale) and anonymous answers were collected online. The survey assessed participants’ perceptions regarding the use of humour in language classrooms, their experiences with humorous teaching techniques, and the perceived effects of humour on language learning outcomes. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed to evaluate the collected data and draw meaningful conclusions. Findings from the survey highlight the significant role of humour in language pedagogy. The results demonstrate that using humour in English language instruction not only enhances students’ motivation and engagement, but also provides a positive classroom atmosphere. Furthermore, humour was found to promote vocabulary retention, improve pronunciation skills, and facilitate cultural understanding. Overall, this research emphasises the importance of humour as a valuable tool in foreign language classrooms, particularly in English language instruction. By employing humour strategically, language instructors can create a lively and conducive learning environment that promotes effective language acquisition, boosts students’ confidence, and cultivates a positive attitude towards language learning.