Ever since Karen Price's ground-breaking work in 1983, we have known that same-language subtitles (captions) primarily intended for the deaf and hearing-impaired can provide access to foreign language films and TV programmes which would otherwise be virtually incomprehensible to non-native-speaker viewers. Since then, researchers have steadily…

Discusses the educational value that televised films may have in foreign language teaching, as well as their function in the development of basic skills. (IFS/WGA)

Film, providing students with the visual, kinesthetic, and auditory modes of learning, is one of the most effective ways to enhance foreign-language acquisition. In-depth diachronic and synchronic analysis of five Japanese films revealed that with careful planning and film-clip selection, teachers can profitably use films in interactive video…

In order to derive the greatest benefit from French texts, instruction should be in three phases: Discovering the text and collecting information; sorting and practicing language items; integrating old and new vocabulary and language. Examples of discussion and test questions relating to certain texts are included. (CHK)

Outlines a rationale for using movies in modern language classes. Films in the target-language are useful in promoting listening comprehension and target-language culture. Films in students' native language may also be useful. The paper identifies ways for teachers to develop content-rich units that foster language learning. Two appendixes list…

As videocassettes of foreign films become more available, teachers will be able to show more films and bring students closer to the second language and culture. However, unfocused viewing will not develop language and cultural proficiency adequately. Class time is better spent in preparing for or reacting to the film than in viewing the film in…

This paper describes the various barriers to comprehension that learners may encounter when viewing feature films in a second language. Two clusters of interfacing factors that may contribute to comprehension hot spots emerged from a quantitative analysis of problems noted in student logbooks. One cluster had a strong acoustic basis, whereas the…

Films used in second language teaching include pedagogical films, which consist of filmed lessons designed to teach grammar and pronunciation, culture and industry shorts often made as a mild form of cultural propaganda, illustrated literature, and foreign language feature films. The latter are useful since they reflect the culture, history,…

This collection resulting from a workshop on language teaching methodology contains the following papers: (1) "Current Views and Principles on Unlocking the FL Treasure Chest," by R. Lado; (2) "Effective Ways of Teaching First-Year French," by J.G. Nicholas; (3) "Teaching Conversation and Comprehension Skills in Elementary…

The Spanish version of "Sesame Street" was used in a project in a class of 12 students in the second semester of first-year Spanish at Phillips Exeter Academy, and an attempt was made to evaluate the usefulness of the series in second language acquisition. This account of the project has five parts: (1) a history of the production of…