The effect of movies on listening comprehension for Saudi EFL students

This study examines the impact of using movies to enhance the listening comprehension skills of Saudi EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students and investigates their attitudes towards this approach. Conducted with 147 participants, the study employed a questionnaire assessing the effectiveness of movies on listening skills, covering aspects such as vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of slang, and skimming abilities. Results indicate a generally positive effect, with movies enhancing listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and understanding of idiomatic language. The study also revealed that most participants view movies as a motivating and engaging learning tool, citing its cultural and contextual authenticity as beneficial for real-life language application.

Despite positive findings, challenges include the selection of culturally appropriate content and the need for structured guidance on integrating movies effectively into language learning. The study suggests the potential for movies to supplement traditional listening exercises and recommends that teachers receive training on multimedia integration. Findings underscore the value of movies as an engaging resource in language acquisition, promoting both linguistic and cultural understanding, and advocate for further research on long-term impacts and other language skills.