Exploring Intercultural Communication Themes in English Classes Through the Movie Outsourced

Lee, Andrea Rakushin

doi:2018.19.4.45

J Eng Teach Movie Media > Volume 19(4); 2018 > Article

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2018;19(4):45-70.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.16875/stem.2018.19.4.45 Published online November 30, 2018.

Exploring Intercultural Communication Themes in English Classes Through the Movie Outsourced

Andrea Rakushin Lee

Abstract

Since English is the global language, it is important for English language learners to be proficient in the language and knowledgeable about intercultural communication in English-speaking countries and other countries that use English as a lingua franca. Movies can be an informative and memorable tool for teaching intercultural communication concepts. This descriptive exploratory study centers on the movie Outsourced (Jeffcoat, 2006), which is about an American expatriate in India. He experiences many frustrations trying to assimilate to an unfamiliar culture, but he eventually adapts and appreciates his new lifestyle. Research objectives centered on determining which intercultural communication themes South Korean English language learners in university could identify in the movie as well as how they viewed these themes. The study also sought to examine how the learners perceive the effectiveness of using the movie to learn about intercultural communication. Data included a worksheet, class discussions, and an essay which were each analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Students were able to identify primary themes related to intercultural communication and generally perceived the movie favorably as a tool for learning about intercultural communication. Practical suggestions are provided for instructors who are considering using movies in the classroom to teach cross-cultural communication or cultural themes.

Key Words: intercultural communication;cross-cultural communication;movies in the classroom;English language learners;cultural themes