Second Language Acquisition Through Media in Preschool: The use of Music and Cartoons

Year 2026, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 21 - 32, 28.01.2026

Rana Berfin Abay

Abstract

Learning a foreign language (FL) has become crucial for modernity and existence in a world that is continuously evolving and developing. In the present era, the significance given to multilingualism has increased, leading to the teaching of foreign languages in early childhood. For this reason, various methods and materials have begun to be used to support second language acquisition (SLA) in early childhood education. This article presents a descriptive study that investigates how media, particularly music and cartoons, support SLA among preschool children. It examines the benefits of early L2 learning and the cognitive advantages of acquiring a second language at a young age. Cartoons provide an engaging, context-rich environment that helps children improve vocabulary, comprehension, and social interaction skills. Music, with its rhythmic and melodic qualities, plays a significant role in enhancing pronunciation and understanding language structures. The article also integrates SLA theories with media usage, highlighting how media can be effectively used to accelerate language learning in young children. Finally, it investigates the challenges and considerations of media-based language education, emphasizing the importance of content appropriateness and guided media usage. As a result of this study: Media, especially music and cartoons, develop children's language comprehension skills by providing visual and contextual cues, reinforcing language patterns and supporting cognitive development. Additionally, this research shows that young individuals have the capacity to learn a new language more quickly and fluently, which reveals that this period is an ideal time for second language acquisition.

Keywords

SLA , Preschool , Music , Cartoons

Thanks

I am deeply grateful to my advisor, Dr. Safiye Çiftlikli Hapçı, for her invaluable guidance and feedback throughout the development of this article.

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