REVISITING FOLKTALES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: TRENDS IN SPEAKING AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Widya Rizky Pratiwi1*, Juhana2

Masters of English Education, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia

Abstract

The integration of culturally rich materials in English language learning has gained increasing attention due to its potential to enhance both linguistic competence and intercultural awareness. Among these, folktales offer authentic, meaningful contexts that can support speaking development and learner engagement. However, despite growing interest, there remains a lack of comprehensive synthesis regarding how folktale-based materials contribute to speaking proficiency, learner autonomy, and cultural competence. This study aims to address this gap by systematically reviewing existing literature on folktale-based English learning. Adopting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) design, this study follows established review protocols, including database searching, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and thematic synthesis. A total of selected peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade were analyzed. The data analysis involved coding, categorization, and thematic interpretation to identify recurring patterns and research trends. The findings reveal that folktale-based learning consistently supports (1) improved speaking fluency through contextualized storytelling, (2) enhanced learner autonomy via interactive and student-centered activities, (3) strengthened cultural awareness through exposure to diverse narratives, and (4) development of critical thinking skills through interpretation and comparison of moral values. Additionally, technology integration emerges as a key factor in maximizing engagement and accessibility. This study contributes by providing a consolidated understanding of the pedagogical value of folktales in English learning and highlighting effective implementation strategies. It also identifies gaps related to digital adaptation and assessment practices. Future research is recommended to explore experimental designs and technology-enhanced folktale instruction to further validate and expand these findings.

Keywords: Folktale-Based Learning- English Language Teaching- Speaking Proficiency- Cultural Competence- Systematic Literature Review.

Topic: Ethonopedagogy (Local Wisdom, Socio Culture)