Using Movies to Improve Cultural Awareness: A Case Study of the Movie Legally Blonde

Kitai, Kim

Article

Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2006;7(2):3-24.
Published online December 30, 2006.

Using Movies to Improve Cultural Awareness: A Case Study of the Movie Legally Blonde

Abstract

It is a generally accepted principle that language and culture are interconnected. Improving cultural awareness of the target language implies that one develops an increased appreciation of English which promotes fluency. Accordingly, this paper shows how the use of movies can improve intercultural awareness at the university level by focusing on the cultural material that appear in the movie Legally Blonde. The theoretical approach of this study uses Moran's (2001) experiential notion of "cultural experience" as a model for the teaching of culture. The merits of using movies in the English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom include the notion that the use of movies provides a realistic view of English speaking societies and that the inclusion of movies in ESL/EFL courses is a practical way of providing students with a stimulating and entertaining method of improving cultural awareness. The paper concludes that the use of movies in the ESL/EFL classroom increases student interest in English as well as raise awareness of American culture.

Key Words: film;movies;cultural awareness;cultural knowing;Legally Blonde