A review of the relationships between humour, motivation, and self-esteem in ESL/EFL classroom

Humour is a powerful tool that acts as a bridge between the teacher and students, breaking down barriers and creating a more relaxed atmosphere where learners feel comfortable taking risks with their language skills. Nevertheless, research on the relationship between humour, motivation, and self-esteem in ESL/EFL courses among language learners is scarce. The purpose of this review is to fill the gap in the literature through a synthesis and evaluation of the potential connections between humour, motivation, and self-esteem among language learners in ESL/EFL classrooms. The findings of the studies reviewed suggest that humour exerts a positive impact on learners' motivation to engage in the language learning process and their self-esteem. The results also indicate that humour can reduce anxiety, increase enjoyment, and promote a positive learning environment. Additionally, humour was found to increase confidence, improve social skills, and promote a more positive self-image among language learners. However, the results also showed that the relationship between humour, motivation, and self-esteem may not be consistent across all learners, highlighting the importance of considering individual differences when integrating humour into language learning. The findings of this review lend credence to the notion that humour plays a positive role in promoting motivation and self-esteem among language learners in ESL/EFL classroom. Future research is recommended to identify the best practices for incorporating humour in the language classroom.