Extramural English and English Proficiency in European EFL/ESL Youth. Exploring the Role of Out-of-School Exposure in Language Development

Abstract

In today’s globalized society, the English language dominates much of the western digital media landscape. Language exposure occurring outside of formal education, or Extramural English (EE), has become a central factor in shaping the proficiency levels of EFL/ESL learners across Europe and the majority of the world. This literature review explores the relationship between EE and English language development among young learners, with a particular focus on vocabulary, writing, and oral skills. This study analyses studies from 10 empirical sources conducted between 2010 and 2025, identifying clear patterns that link early and frequent engagement with EE to improved language proficiency. The studies show that productive activities, such as reading, writing, and speaking tend to yield stronger benefits than passive activities, such as watching subtitled shows or listening to music. The impact of gaming is contested, showing positive, negative or no significant effects depending on the context. Key factors such as age, existing proficiency levels, and cultural impacts play a significant role in influencing outcomes. Overall, the evidence suggests that EE plays a vital and increasingly influential role in the language learning.