“Everything I learned, I learned from the movies,” claimed Audrey Hepburn. And so can you!

It is no secret that a massive increase in zoom calls over the past 18 months was matched by a surge in Netflix and YouTube viewing. Films can be very effective as language tools, especially when most of your learning moved online. However, given an overwhelming amount of film and video production available online, how do we decide what to select for language learning? What genres are best suited for your stage? Do we prioritise visual and aesthetic pleasure or the dialogue? Is the language of silent films really an oxymoron?

This workshop will address these questions and will demonstrate hands-on techniques for selecting authentic language material and adapting original Russian films, cartoons and sitcoms for your specific learning goals. While many film-based exercises are traditionally aimed at advanced levels, you can learn how to gain more from watching your favourite films even at beginner level. You can design your own assignments that can range from learning the alphabet to reviewing verbs of motions and practicing job interviews.

The workshop will present short excerpts from a variety of Soviet and contemporary Russian films, cartoons and TV series and is suitable for all levels.

Suitable for: Russian students at varying levels.

Convenor(s): Lyudmila Razumova

Please email language.resources@kcl.ac.uk if you have any access requirements.