Licenciatura en Bilingüismo con Énfasis en Inglés · 2026

A systematic literature review about the use of anime as a tool for improving L2 acquisition in formal education contexts

The main objective of this systematic literature review was to analyze and systematize a body of research literature published between 2015 and 2025 focused on the use of anime for L2 learning and learner motivation in formal education environments. Data collection and analysis was guided by the PRISMA protocol. Papers were collected through targeted searches in databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and institutional repositories, using keywords including "anime in education," "L2 acquisition," and "multimedia instruction." Document selection was guided by inclusion criteria such as relevance to Second Language instruction, the use of anime in pedagogical contexts, and publication language (English or Spanish). The questions that guided this analysis were: What does the publication rate and geographical distribution tell us about educational interest in anime? How has anime been supported by leaning theory into formal L2 environments between 2015 and 2025 based on the papers reviewed? What effects do articles related to anime-based instructional practices report on L2 learners’ motivation in formal education settings? Which anime genres and specific works have been used and why? And how has anime been integrated into the development of language skills (listening, writing, riding, speaking)? Exploring the selected literature in relation to these questions revealed the following findings: Increasing publication trends on anime in language acquisition research Anime relevance in academic spaces around the world, especially in Asian territories. How learning theories are represented in the studies and connected to anime. Anime as a Multiskill Learning Tool: Evidence for Supporting Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. And a notorious Increase in Students’ Engagement, a reduction in anxiety and the risk of oversaturation.