Films As a Learning Tool

A language is not only a tool. The process of learning it is a way of self-improvement, especially a language with a significant culture behind it. 

The best way to learn a language is to put oneself into that language environment, the so-called the immersion method. In real life it can be hard to do so, so fortunately films provide a good alternative. 

For beginner level Mandarin learners, it is a great way to familiarize oneself with the language and its rhythm as well as gain a greater understanding of the culture embedded within. Intermediate students can also really take advantage of films, observing mouth movements, imitating tones and closely following the general flow of conversation. When advanced students reach their fluency level, films can be a great means of working their way towards a native level of comprehension.

The fact is, although you may fully comprehend what your friends are saying to you directly, the same people can become difficult to follow when they talk to each other. People often modify their speaking style and even the language used whilst speaking to a foreigner, and actors and actresses do not. This allows learners to become familiar with normal talking speed in the real world.

Films are fun to watch and this can help with the learning process. Watch a film you like over and over again until you can shout out the next line. Like Malcolm Gladwells suggests, “you can’t become a chess grand master unless you spend 10,000 hours on practice.” In the same vein, mastering Mandarin requires a significant investment of time and energy on the part of the student; people need to get those 10,000 hours in, wherever possible.

One of my favourite teaching materials is ‘If you are the one’ by Xiaogang Feng. His comedies contain high verbal density and are rich in culture. I recommend learners select the films which suit them the best and interest them the most. Enjoy the films and popcorn and good luck!

Bibliography

Weschler, Raymond,  ‘http://www.eslnotes.com/Introduction.html,’  August, 2010