Sunday, June 6, 2010

Unit 12: Learning English in the Movies

This week, we watched scenes from the 2003 film Please Teach Me English (영어완전정복), starring Lee Na-young (Na Young-ju, or "Candy") and Jang Hyeok (Park Moon-su, or "Elvis"). In this movie, we watched Young-ju go through the difficulties of living in modern, "English-obsessed" Korean society.




This movie, of course, is a comedy. Often, the comedy is "slapstick" too - meaning, the characters use their bodies a lot to make us laugh.

What did you think of this movie? Do you think it exaggerates how Korean society thinks about English, or is it accurate? Do you think Korea is "English-obsessed"? Can you relate to any of the characters or their situation?

As a foreigner teaching English here, I thought a lot of things were funny. This movie helped me appreciate the difficulties my students face. I also think it shows how a lot of methods for learning to speak in English are not effective. What do you think is the best way to learn to speak English well?

THIS DISCUSSION IS OUR FINAL ONLINE DISCUSSION FOR THE SEMESTER!! YOU MUST POST YOUR COMMENTS BY JUNE 10th! ANY COMMENTS AFTER JUNE 10th WILL NOT BE GRADED.

I look forward to reading your comments!

12 comments:

  1. My brother who live in USA said to me.
    "This is so difficult. I don't konw what they talking about and why they funny. I enjoy them."
    but some month after
    His said
    "USA is good! not bad! my friend 00000 is very fun!"
    Listen brother english speaking.
    I thought english is difficult. but try! continue try!
    Then little by little english ability rise.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think best way that we speak english well is 'Experience'.

    That is, Free speaking with native foreiner. for Speak english well, best way is speak experience with native. If 1:1 speak situation, very good situation for experience. so, Students will get self-confident. and Don't afraid speak english.

    becka, while one semester, you are best teacher, for me. But I recommand you this system. 'counseling' with students.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think the 2003 film Please Teach Me English (영어완전정복) is funny
    but hints censure of "English-obsessed" Korean society with accuracy.

    For examples, Many english signs in the street and a student chewing in english words appear in this film.
    Unpleasant or no, those are true.

    It seems Korea is obsessed by english hysteria.

    English ability is important in a tight job market.

    Furthermore, everyone from child to the aged is trying very hard to learn English.

    I think I am similar to this movie's main character.
    I want to talk in English with foreigner, but I feel too timid to talk to him.

    I know the best way to learn to speak English well is talk in English with foreigner.

    Nevertheless, because I feel small in front of foreigner, I need some courage.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think always talkking english is best method.
    and hang out foreigners.
    also, wathing American drama is best choise.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you know how to speak English do you do?
    First, the importance of English to be illuminated.
    I took a trip to Bali, had. Bali, then they've used them all in English.
    Then I felt a lot. This should be good to be speaking.
    LONDON, first speaking with a foreigner should be friends. After you break through
    Is bound to face directly. First, talk to foreigners without shame puts
    Skills will be a lot better.

    ReplyDelete
  6. * What do you think is the best way to learn to speak English well?
    - I think ,
    If you learn to different language ,
    you should talk with foreigners.
    Best way is many pratice.
    Grammer, Reading is important.
    But,
    I think talking is so very very important.





    Thank you very very so much for your lecture.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am often listen the term, open your ears this is a take the first step toward ENGLISH.
    so, I think the best to speak English is listening.
    consequently, the best way to learn to speak English is You go to the the English-speaking world .
    but this way is costly and hard
    That`s why, you want to learn to speak English
    you listen to pop, a English film not subtitled in KOREAN and Do mix with foreigner friends company.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think to go to the experience of being country.
    You hear repeatedly, And at one point you can understand.
    If you have understanding, speaking just slipped out your mouth,
    If you watch the dramas and news in USA, you may be bored.
    Then, You improve speaking ability.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think the best way to learn to speak English is lots of listening and speaking.
    I propose that you make a foreign friends.
    It will help you to speak English well.
    And reading English books or watching movie without subtitles will be good ways.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think this film shows a cross section of English education in Korea.
    Nowadays, not only Korea but throughout the world seems to be obsessed with English.
    I think In English, the most important thing I can say that in English.
    I think how to speak fluent English is English sentences Recording files put them into the MP3 player and keep listening all day and say alike.
    To say and write what you can do indefinitely just to memorize.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think that this film would reflect the Korea Society.
    This movie is comic but the fact is a sad reality of Korea.
    If you do not know English, a lot of disadvantages. So people are excited to learn English.
    How to speak English well, not a passive learning should be proactive.
    You can get a direct say in English must be a direct writing.
    Because many people hear and understand English, but it does not speak English.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have studied only listen and read.
    But I think best method is SPEAKING.

    ReplyDelete