'Europe at Work' is a major new video resource resource for teachers of English in Business and you can access it at www.eiworkplace.net. It is the result of a 10 country LEONARDO DA VINCI project to identify problems in and support the integration of migrant cmmunities in host countrty workplaces. It is called Europe at Work but has a worldwide reference.
The classroom products are a 14 unit DVD, containing typical scenarios which cause conflict, accompanied by a manual.
Contact barry.tomalin@ihlondon.co.uk if you want information about how to get it.
Lots of teachers use movie clips but remember you have to get permission and mustn't breach copyright. Ones that have been recommended by teachers are:
ON UK
'Four Weddings and a Funeral', where Hugh Grant tries to tell Andi McDowell that he loves her.
' Notting Hill' - the embarrassing dinner party and the scene where Hugh's brother in law talks to Julia Roberts about how he is a complete failure.
'A Fish called Wanda' where John Cleese explains to Jamie Lee Curtis about English embarrassment. Recognise a trend here?
The beginning of 'Johnny English' with Rowan Atkinson.
ON CULTURE
The title sequence of Walter Salles 'Central Do Brasil'. Watch it. What does it tell you about the country by watching the video?
ON JAPAN
'Lost in Translation' the wonderful seuqence where Bill Murray records his Suntory TV ad.
'Gung Ho' the sales pitch Michael Keaton makes to the Japanese board.
'Yakuza' the opening sequence.
' Rising Sun' where SeanConnery is having dinner with the Japanese CEO and his subordinate (US) interrupts.
And I could go on.... Video dramas present heightened reality but are good ways of dramatising cultural differences.
For methodology, take a look at 'Film' by me and Susan Stempleski (OUP).
I've shown you some of the movies I've heard of that teacher say are good for teaching with. Now show me yours. Not just the movie titles - the sequences.
OVER TO YOU!
BLOG 17 - the culture results of the SAARBRUECKEN teacher's day in Germany last Friday. Can't wait!
