One of our last readings talked about the use of films inside the language classroom. The author sees foreign films as a gateway to language and culture. Through reading the article I realized the usefulness of movies and films for cultural learning, as it represents pattern of another culture (Harrison, 2009), gives an insight into the native language use, body language, behavior, customs, beliefs, etc. Films from a specific culture reflect many important pragmatic aspects. Watching a video seems like entering in the community showed in the movie, which gives a much bigger picture for students than just talking about specific cultures and communities. However, videos should only be a supplement for good instruction – never a replacement (Bull, Tillman, & Bell, 2010). Furthermore, the teacher should plan meaningful pre-viewing, viewing, and post-viewing activities (Harrison, 2009). In the context of our class topic “Speaking. Listening, & culture” the article about video use for the language classroom was very meaningful. Watching a video includes listening, but instead of just listening, a video shows many more pragmatic aspects. Looking at the use of videos also has its place in the context of the whole course about pragmatics in language learning. I believe that every educator teaching English uses videos and movies inside the classroom once in a while. The article helped to be rightly equipped and instructed on how to use videos in the classroom.
Talking about Germany, most people watch movies of English origin, anyways. Furthermore, English as well as German cultures are Western cultures. Therefore, educators of German students should choose useful videos very carefully and watch out for videos that clearly show cultural aspects. Educators can also emphasis on differences between the U.S., Britain, and other English speaking cultures.
I believe that non native learners benefit a lot from watching videos that include cultural aspects. However, even native speakers can benefit from it, watching out for cultural aspects of their own culture that they might not have been aware of before. It is just important that the educator combines watching videos with meaningful surrounding activities.
Bull, G. L., Tillman, D., & Bell, L. (2010). Teaching with digital video. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
Harrison, L. G. (2009). Foreign films in the classroom: Gateway to language and culture. Journal of College Teaching & Learning, 6(8), 89-93.
