INCIDENTAL VOCABULARY ACQUISITION IN THE DIGITAL WILDS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH MEDIA CONSUMPTION

Abstract

Digital media has become an important part of everyday life, creating new opportunities for second language learners to encounter vocabulary beyond the traditional classroom. Videos, films, television series, social media, podcasts, online games, and other forms of digital content expose learners to large amounts of authentic language. This systematic review examines how incidental vocabulary acquisition occurs through digital media consumption and identifies the factors that influence learning outcomes. Relevant studies on second language vocabulary learning through audiovisual and online media were reviewed and analyzed according to their research focus, media type, participants, and major findings. The reviewed literature suggests that regular exposure to meaningful and engaging media can support the incidental learning of new vocabulary, particularly when learners encounter words repeatedly in rich contexts. Audiovisual materials appear especially beneficial because learners can connect spoken and written language with images, actions, and situational information. However, vocabulary learning is not automatic. Factors such as frequency of exposure, learner proficiency, captions and subtitles, attention, motivation, and opportunities for repeated encounters strongly influence the extent to which vocabulary is acquired. The review also shows that digital media can provide learners with a more personalized and enjoyable learning environment than traditional vocabulary exercises. Nevertheless, incidental learning through media should not be viewed as a complete replacement for explicit vocabulary instruction. Instead, the findings suggest that combining meaningful media exposure with intentional learning activities may produce stronger vocabulary outcomes. Overall, the digital environment offers a rich and largely unexplored space for vocabulary development, allowing language learning to continue beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Keywords

incidental vocabulary acquisition, digital media, second language learning, vocabulary learning, audiovisual input, media consumption.