The Role of Films in the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Abstract

Films are a very valuable medium in the teaching of a foreign language. Our research and experience indicate that in the foreign language classroom films offer an opportunity for students to learn not only the target language and its culture, but also new words, new terminologies and new phraseology, as well as their proper usage-activities which would not be achieved in a normal language classroom. Films can also create a forum for students to practise using the language through class discussions, especially at the advanced level. It is for this reason that many language teaching institutions have multi-media rooms with the requisite facilities such as television sets, video cassette players, CD and DVD players. However, the successful use of films depends on many factors, including the preparedness of the instructor and the right approach, and perhaps these considerations account for their virtual absence from classrooms in many countries, and specifically in Ghana. In this work we analyze the use of films in the teaching of foreign languages. We focus on the importance of films, the mode of their selection and the appropriate timing for their use. We also outline a methodology and recommend exercises at each stage of the teaching process in order to provide a point of reference for instructors.