The educational potential of fanfiction: analysis of a derivative text

Abstract

The article investigates the educational benefits of incorporating fanfiction into language learning, presenting both qualitative results from the textual analysis of fanfiction works and specific examples of improved language skills. Qualitative findings indicate that students who engage in fanfiction writing demonstrate enhanced creativity and a deeper understanding of narrative techniques, such as plot structure and character development. Furthermore, the fanfiction analyzed shows rich use of literary devices, such as foreshadowing and irony, which provides an avenue for students to improve their literary analysis skills. The study also reveals that fanfiction helps develop several core language skills. Writing fanfiction enhances vocabulary acquisition, as students experiment with new words and contexts. Additionally, narrative writing, critical thinking, and interpretation skills are sharpened as students reinterpret and expand upon original source material, offering alternative scenarios and endings. A novel aspect of this study lies in its practical approach to integrating fanfiction into language education. Unlike previous research that focuses solely on fanfiction as a literary phenomenon, this study provides concrete strategies and activities that educators can adopt, such as assignments that encourage students to rewrite scenes from their favorite works or analyze fanfiction for linguistic features. Another distinguishing factor is the focus on specific educational outcomes, particularly the improvement of language skills through creative writing and literary analysis, offering a unique perspective on fanfiction's utility in formal education. This approach highlights fanfiction’s potential not just as a creative outlet, but as a structured tool for achieving educational goals in vocabulary, syntax, and narrative comprehension.