Sitcoms, appeal and cognition

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role and place of the genre of the situation comedy, or the sitcom, and the processes of appeal and cognition as central to foreign language and culture acquisition. Drawing on the specific narrative format of the sitcom and the theoretical claims that emotion and affect are precursors of appeal and cognition in language learning, this paper uncovers a specific characteristic of the sitcom as both a medium and a tool for learning a foreign language and acquiring cultural content. It shows a unique link between the narrative of the sitcom and the learning process. The study forms a starting point for more detailed examination of the above processes and the actual learning input and influence of the sitcom aided by its appealing effect resulting in cognitive function.

Keywords: sitcoms; language acquisition, appeal, cognition