5 Ways to Use Popular Movies for English Language Teaching
By Larry M. Lynch

A commonly available resource of authentic English language is movies. Movies, in their entirety or in selected clips, are highly practical for English language teaching. Hardly any learner would complain about having a movie or video clip to watch as part of an English language class. But just how do you go about exploiting films and clips? What are good aspects of using movies for English language teaching? Here are five ways you can use popular movies with your learners for English language practice and acquisition.

1. Varieties of English can be demonstrated

Want to know what British English is like? Australian English? How about the Englishes of India or the West Indies? Then movies are your salvation. Films produced in these regions can give you needed first-hand insight into connected speech elements, Rhotic or Non-rhotic pronunciation, idioms, expressions and other aspects of regional Englishes.

2. Slices of culture can be demonstrated

An essential element of language learning is culture. So why not incorporate both into your language lessons at the same time? While viewing a film in British, American, Australian or West Indian English you can see cultural aspects included in the plot to illustrate social customs from table manners to weddings and funerals, holidays, celebrations and language idiosyncrasies. Don’t forget the use of “Classic” films either, as they can be a marvelous resource for the ELT class room.

3. Historical change can be easily demonstrated