The Implementation of Role Play Technique to Enhance EFL Students’ Speaking Skill
Keywords:
: Role Play, EFL Speaking, Learner Confidence, Fluency, Language Anxiety
Abstract
Speaking remains an important but difficult skill for EFL learners due to the fear of being assessed and not having the opportunity for hands-on practice. In this study, 24 peer-reviewed articles from 2022–2025 were examined. The study employed a qualitative descriptive library research approach. Based on the findings, role-playing significantly enhanced students' confidence, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency by offering a secure and engaging setting. Furthermore, it reduces language anxiety and promotes imaginative and cooperative activities. It is primarily implemented through the use of structured group activities, reflective follow-up, and realistic scenarios. According to this study, role-playing enhances students' social and psychological growth as well as their language proficiency. Consequently, it is strongly advised that role play be used frequently in EFL classes.
References
Idham, S. Y., Subramaniam, I., & Khan, A. (2022). The effect of role-playing techniques on the speaking skills of students at university. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarab-Mugair/publication/362388277_The_Effect_of_Role-Playing_Techniques_on_the_Speaking_Skills_of_Students_at_University/links/651bca8a1e2386049df3c0fb/The-Effect-of-Role-Playing-Techniques-on-the-Speaking-Skills-of-Students-at-University.pdf
Kadafie, M. (2022). Students' perception of using role play in facilitating English speaking skill. Undergraduate Thesis, UIN Walisongo Semarang. Retrieved from https://eprints.walisongo.ac.id/19610/1/Skripsi_1903046015_Muammar_Kadafie.pd
Alghamdy, R. (2022). How do EFL learners interact and learn English communication skills during a role-play strategy? World Journal of English Language, 12(2), 1–10. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/109172758/13350.pdf
Khamouja, S., & Mohamed, T. (2023). The importance of role-playing activities in developing students' speaking competence. International Journal of Language and Linguistics. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Abdessallam-Khamouja/publication/370505017_The_Importance_of_Role-Playing_Activities_in_Developing_Students'_Speaking_Competence/links/6453a8284af788735258b827/The-Importance-of-Role-Playing-Activities-in-Developing-Students-Speaking-Competence.pdf
Theriana, A. (2023). Understanding the strategies employed by EFL learners to overcome speaking anxiety in the classroom. NextGen Education Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/113616491/28.pdf
Yousefabadi, M. M., Ghasemnezhad, T., & Akbarie, Y. (2022). The effect of anxiety, motivation and self-confidence in language learners' reading proficiency. NeuroQuantology. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/95963376/20221215104852pmNQ880504_.pdf
Abrar, M., Fajaryani, N., & Habizar, H. (2022). Exploring EFL students' speaking anxiety of English teacher education program at one public university in Jambi. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mukhlash-Abrar/publication/361057193_Exploring_EFL_Students'_Speaking_Anxiety_of_English_Teacher_Education_Program_at_One_Public_University_in_Jambi/links/6471c1e46a3c4c6efbe30008/Exploring-EFL-Students-Speaking-Anxiety-of-English-Teacher-Education-Program-at-One-Public-University-in-Jambi.pdf
Omar, T. K. (2023). Students' challenges in EFL speaking classrooms. Academic Journal of Nawroz University. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e2ff/9424624eff5c73b99a99ab7c702d416ced63.pdf
Rosmayanti, V., Ramli, R., & Rafiqa, R. (2023). Building beginners’ self-confidence in speaking at private high school in Makassar. Edulite: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture. Retrieved from https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/edulite/article/download/27472/8265
Robert, R., & Meenakshi, S. (2022). Rereading oral communication skills in English language acquisition: The unspoken spoken English. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/R-Robert-2/publication/365073300_Rereading_Oral_Communication_Skills_in_English_Language_Acquisition_The_Unspoken_Spoken_English/links/66ab197275fcd863e5ed6189/Rereading-Oral-Communication-Skills-in-English-Language-Acquisition-The-Unspoken-Spoken-English.pdf
Kafipour, R., Dakhil, T. A., & Khojasteh, L. (2023). The effect of role-play on vocabulary learning and retention in Iranian EFL learners. Forum for Linguistic Studies.
Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/105534350/FLS_1835_PB_Online.pdf
Irkinovich, N. R. (2022). The importance of role-playing game in teaching English in a non-linguistic university. International Journal of Pedagogics. Retrieved from https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/ijp/article/download/39876/40418
Ridayani, R., & Purwanto, M. B. (2024). Enhancing speaking skills through role play and multimedia technology. Refleksi: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan dan Bahasa. Retrieved from https://publikasi.abidan.org/index.php/refleksi/article/download/413/316
Lahbibi, K., & Farhane, H. (2023). The impact of role play on enhancing learners' interaction in speaking. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies. Retrieved from https://ijlls.org/index.php/ijlls/article/download/1155/449
Maulana, I., & Lolita, Y. (2023). The effectiveness of role-play to improve student's speaking achievement. ELite Journal: International Journal of Education, Language, and Literature. Retrieved from https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/elite/article/download/24868/10178
Kumar, T., Qasim, A., & Mansur, S. B. (2022). Improving EFL students' speaking proficiency and self-confidence using drama technique: An action research. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1331732.pdf
Biynazarova, D., & Abdimomunova, D. (2024). Problems and ways of solving students’ speech development in foreign language teaching. Arbitrer: Journal of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 11(1), 52–59. Retrieved from https://arbitrer.fib.unand.ac.id/index.php/arbitrer/article/download/573/275
Zulfa, P. F., Suryanti, E., & Tazali, I. (2024). ESP students' perception on role playing for boosting their speaking skill. English Education and Literature Journal, 6(1), 23–31. Retrieved from https://jurnal.umnu.ac.id/index.php/e-jou/article/download/1171/506
Adati, K. (2023). The effectiveness of scripted and unscripted role play in teaching speaking skill for EFL students (Undergraduate thesis, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta). Retrieved from https://repository.uinjkt.ac.id/dspace/bitstream/123456789/81552/1/KUNISA%20ADATI_11190140000026%20WM.pdf
Nasution, R., Purba, D. S., & Damanik, R. M. (2024). The effectiveness of role play in enhancing students’ speaking ability. Journal of Language and Learning, 6(1), 45–55. Retrieved from: https://jurnal.usi.ac.id/index.php/jbl/article/download/1090/1122
Setyawan, R., & Sarifudin, U. (2025). Enhancing students’ confidence through role play in EFL classrooms. Jurnal Pendidikan Maju, 13(1), 1–10. Retrieved from: http://uniflor.ac.id/e-journal/index.php/JPM/article/download/5190/2809
Murillo, K., & Vaca-Cárdenas, A. (2023). Classroom role play and learner engagement: A qualitative study. Kronos Journal, 5(2), 66–79.
Retrieved from: https://revistadigital.uce.edu.ec/index.php/KronosJournal/article/download/4997/7205
Ly, V. T. (2024). The role of role-playing activities in expanding vocabulary and creativity. Journal of Knowledge, Language and Society, 8(1), 112–124.
Retrieved from: https://jklst.org/index.php/home/article/download/213/216
Cifuentes, A. D. (2024). Group dynamics and role play effectiveness in EFL speaking classrooms. Criterios: Revista de Investigación Educativa, 10(1), 33–44.
Retrieved from: https://revistas.umariana.edu.co/index.php/Criterios/article/download/3856/4221
Aziz, A. A., & Ishak, S. A. (2022). Role play to improve ESL learners' communication skills: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364503936
Roengrit, P., & Wathawatthana, P. (2023). Improving the English speaking ability of sixth grade Thai students using the role-play technique. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/104192826/52614.pdf
Tsai, C. C. A. (2025). Exploring theoretical and empirical perspectives on EFL speaking instruction. LAASS International Journal, 5(1), 55–72. Retrieved from https://so18.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/laassij/article/download/1148/643
Nurwahida, N., & Ardin, H. (2024). Reducing students’ speaking anxiety by using role-play technique. Andragogi: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Manajemen, 6(2), 100–110. Retrieved from http://journal-uim-makassar.ac.id/index.php/AIJER/article/view/1471
Camprubí Gutiérrez, V. (2023). Role-playing games: A motivational tool to help EFL learners develop confident speaking. Undergraduate Thesis, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia. Retrieved from https://repositori.uvic-ucc.cat/bitstream/handle/10854/7627/trealu_a2023_camprub%C3%AD_vanessa_role-playing_games.pdf?sequence=1
Abad Amón, V. M., & García Peralta, A. P. (2022). The effects of role plays on EFL students' grammar learning. Universidad de Cuenca Repository. Retrieved from https://dspace.ucuenca.edu.ec/bitstreams/c7174a24-240a-438c-931b-f23dbce82f67/download
Shirazifard, H., & Abbasian, G. R. (2022). Implementation of task-based collaborative dialogues in EFL speaking classes: Focus on achievements and perceptions. Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, 42(1), 57–78. http://journals.shirazu.ac.ir/article_6354_b9dc75d7eef4db5ab6633ccb22e0766e.pdf
Rabahi, H., & Makhlouf, A. (2025). Examining the complexities of foreign language anxiety: Gendered perspectives and pedagogical interventions in EFL oral performance. Language Learning Journal, 52(1), 44–60. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391399923
Fortuna, R. S. (2025). Lowering the filter: The role of attitude in English language acquisition. International Journal of English Pedagogy, 10(2), 111–125. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390440627
Kadafie, M. (2022). Students' perception of using role play in facilitating English speaking skill. Undergraduate Thesis, UIN Walisongo Semarang. Retrieved from https://eprints.walisongo.ac.id/19610/1/Skripsi_1903046015_Muammar_Kadafie.pd
Alghamdy, R. (2022). How do EFL learners interact and learn English communication skills during a role-play strategy? World Journal of English Language, 12(2), 1–10. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/109172758/13350.pdf
Khamouja, S., & Mohamed, T. (2023). The importance of role-playing activities in developing students' speaking competence. International Journal of Language and Linguistics. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Abdessallam-Khamouja/publication/370505017_The_Importance_of_Role-Playing_Activities_in_Developing_Students'_Speaking_Competence/links/6453a8284af788735258b827/The-Importance-of-Role-Playing-Activities-in-Developing-Students-Speaking-Competence.pdf
Theriana, A. (2023). Understanding the strategies employed by EFL learners to overcome speaking anxiety in the classroom. NextGen Education Review Journal. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/113616491/28.pdf
Yousefabadi, M. M., Ghasemnezhad, T., & Akbarie, Y. (2022). The effect of anxiety, motivation and self-confidence in language learners' reading proficiency. NeuroQuantology. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/95963376/20221215104852pmNQ880504_.pdf
Abrar, M., Fajaryani, N., & Habizar, H. (2022). Exploring EFL students' speaking anxiety of English teacher education program at one public university in Jambi. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mukhlash-Abrar/publication/361057193_Exploring_EFL_Students'_Speaking_Anxiety_of_English_Teacher_Education_Program_at_One_Public_University_in_Jambi/links/6471c1e46a3c4c6efbe30008/Exploring-EFL-Students-Speaking-Anxiety-of-English-Teacher-Education-Program-at-One-Public-University-in-Jambi.pdf
Omar, T. K. (2023). Students' challenges in EFL speaking classrooms. Academic Journal of Nawroz University. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e2ff/9424624eff5c73b99a99ab7c702d416ced63.pdf
Rosmayanti, V., Ramli, R., & Rafiqa, R. (2023). Building beginners’ self-confidence in speaking at private high school in Makassar. Edulite: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture. Retrieved from https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/edulite/article/download/27472/8265
Robert, R., & Meenakshi, S. (2022). Rereading oral communication skills in English language acquisition: The unspoken spoken English. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/R-Robert-2/publication/365073300_Rereading_Oral_Communication_Skills_in_English_Language_Acquisition_The_Unspoken_Spoken_English/links/66ab197275fcd863e5ed6189/Rereading-Oral-Communication-Skills-in-English-Language-Acquisition-The-Unspoken-Spoken-English.pdf
Kafipour, R., Dakhil, T. A., & Khojasteh, L. (2023). The effect of role-play on vocabulary learning and retention in Iranian EFL learners. Forum for Linguistic Studies.
Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/105534350/FLS_1835_PB_Online.pdf
Irkinovich, N. R. (2022). The importance of role-playing game in teaching English in a non-linguistic university. International Journal of Pedagogics. Retrieved from https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/ijp/article/download/39876/40418
Ridayani, R., & Purwanto, M. B. (2024). Enhancing speaking skills through role play and multimedia technology. Refleksi: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan dan Bahasa. Retrieved from https://publikasi.abidan.org/index.php/refleksi/article/download/413/316
Lahbibi, K., & Farhane, H. (2023). The impact of role play on enhancing learners' interaction in speaking. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies. Retrieved from https://ijlls.org/index.php/ijlls/article/download/1155/449
Maulana, I., & Lolita, Y. (2023). The effectiveness of role-play to improve student's speaking achievement. ELite Journal: International Journal of Education, Language, and Literature. Retrieved from https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/elite/article/download/24868/10178
Kumar, T., Qasim, A., & Mansur, S. B. (2022). Improving EFL students' speaking proficiency and self-confidence using drama technique: An action research. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1331732.pdf
Biynazarova, D., & Abdimomunova, D. (2024). Problems and ways of solving students’ speech development in foreign language teaching. Arbitrer: Journal of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 11(1), 52–59. Retrieved from https://arbitrer.fib.unand.ac.id/index.php/arbitrer/article/download/573/275
Zulfa, P. F., Suryanti, E., & Tazali, I. (2024). ESP students' perception on role playing for boosting their speaking skill. English Education and Literature Journal, 6(1), 23–31. Retrieved from https://jurnal.umnu.ac.id/index.php/e-jou/article/download/1171/506
Adati, K. (2023). The effectiveness of scripted and unscripted role play in teaching speaking skill for EFL students (Undergraduate thesis, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta). Retrieved from https://repository.uinjkt.ac.id/dspace/bitstream/123456789/81552/1/KUNISA%20ADATI_11190140000026%20WM.pdf
Nasution, R., Purba, D. S., & Damanik, R. M. (2024). The effectiveness of role play in enhancing students’ speaking ability. Journal of Language and Learning, 6(1), 45–55. Retrieved from: https://jurnal.usi.ac.id/index.php/jbl/article/download/1090/1122
Setyawan, R., & Sarifudin, U. (2025). Enhancing students’ confidence through role play in EFL classrooms. Jurnal Pendidikan Maju, 13(1), 1–10. Retrieved from: http://uniflor.ac.id/e-journal/index.php/JPM/article/download/5190/2809
Murillo, K., & Vaca-Cárdenas, A. (2023). Classroom role play and learner engagement: A qualitative study. Kronos Journal, 5(2), 66–79.
Retrieved from: https://revistadigital.uce.edu.ec/index.php/KronosJournal/article/download/4997/7205
Ly, V. T. (2024). The role of role-playing activities in expanding vocabulary and creativity. Journal of Knowledge, Language and Society, 8(1), 112–124.
Retrieved from: https://jklst.org/index.php/home/article/download/213/216
Cifuentes, A. D. (2024). Group dynamics and role play effectiveness in EFL speaking classrooms. Criterios: Revista de Investigación Educativa, 10(1), 33–44.
Retrieved from: https://revistas.umariana.edu.co/index.php/Criterios/article/download/3856/4221
Aziz, A. A., & Ishak, S. A. (2022). Role play to improve ESL learners' communication skills: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364503936
Roengrit, P., & Wathawatthana, P. (2023). Improving the English speaking ability of sixth grade Thai students using the role-play technique. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/download/104192826/52614.pdf
Tsai, C. C. A. (2025). Exploring theoretical and empirical perspectives on EFL speaking instruction. LAASS International Journal, 5(1), 55–72. Retrieved from https://so18.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/laassij/article/download/1148/643
Nurwahida, N., & Ardin, H. (2024). Reducing students’ speaking anxiety by using role-play technique. Andragogi: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Manajemen, 6(2), 100–110. Retrieved from http://journal-uim-makassar.ac.id/index.php/AIJER/article/view/1471
Camprubí Gutiérrez, V. (2023). Role-playing games: A motivational tool to help EFL learners develop confident speaking. Undergraduate Thesis, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia. Retrieved from https://repositori.uvic-ucc.cat/bitstream/handle/10854/7627/trealu_a2023_camprub%C3%AD_vanessa_role-playing_games.pdf?sequence=1
Abad Amón, V. M., & García Peralta, A. P. (2022). The effects of role plays on EFL students' grammar learning. Universidad de Cuenca Repository. Retrieved from https://dspace.ucuenca.edu.ec/bitstreams/c7174a24-240a-438c-931b-f23dbce82f67/download
Shirazifard, H., & Abbasian, G. R. (2022). Implementation of task-based collaborative dialogues in EFL speaking classes: Focus on achievements and perceptions. Teaching English as a Second Language Quarterly, 42(1), 57–78. http://journals.shirazu.ac.ir/article_6354_b9dc75d7eef4db5ab6633ccb22e0766e.pdf
Rabahi, H., & Makhlouf, A. (2025). Examining the complexities of foreign language anxiety: Gendered perspectives and pedagogical interventions in EFL oral performance. Language Learning Journal, 52(1), 44–60. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391399923
Fortuna, R. S. (2025). Lowering the filter: The role of attitude in English language acquisition. International Journal of English Pedagogy, 10(2), 111–125. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390440627
Published
2025-06-30
Section
Articles
