Aquisição da língua inglesa: curtindo curtas na sala de aula

Abstract

This research proposes the union of two practices that can contribute to the sociocultural training of an individual. On the one hand the acquisition of English in educational contexts as the main foreign language learned in most schools around the world, which is likely to be recognized as an international language and has played an important role with the possibility of an individual to be understood, in part at least, in most places, besides being the predominant language of the world media, film, television, music and computers, with emphasis on the Internet, even in countries where the United Kingdom or the United States have historically had little influence; and on the other, the aesthetic experience of the cinema, represented here by short films, with productions that can shed light on political and spiritual issues as well as provide catharsis and (new) prospects, opening our eyes to new ways of thinking, feeling of living and coexisting. Moreover, it is emphasized that if shorts are used properly in the school context, they prove to be a fantastic tool in the acquisition of the English language, while providing more chances for a better use, understanding, participation and assimilation making the lessons more communicative and dynamic, going beyond the stereotype that a film in class is only a distraction or "stalling". Thus, this work has as main objective to investigate the use of short films as a teaching resource in English language acquisition classes. Directed to the action and the autonomy of the student, it seeks to incite students, teachers and language professionals to (re)learn linguistic and extralinguistic skills in learning English as well as the importance of the alliance between language acquisition and film for school education with a natural and communicative approach. The theoretical foundation was based on authors like Chomsky (2006, 1976), Skinner (1957) and others to a presentation on language acquisition; Krashen (1987, 1985, 1983) and others about different languages teaching approaches in formal learning contexts or not, with an emphasis on Natural Approach; Dolz and Schneuwly (2006), Haydt (2006), Hedge (2000) with important considerations on the use of audio-visual in English-speaking classrooms within didactic sequences; Biskind (2009) and others to provide a reflection on a history / evolution of cinema with an emphasis on Hollywood productions. The use of shorts, as authentic materials can constitute a good tool for teaching and learning languages because they are interesting, use a real language, can be chosen for individual interests, illustrate the precise use of language in the target culture, and can help students to systematize his speech about what they see and hear on screen.