Movies and rap as learning tools

I couldn’t agree more with Somsak Pola’s suggestion that the English pronunciation of Thais might improve if they watched English-language movies with Thai subtitles. That can also increase their vocabulary. Of course, they would have to pay close attention.  

Many years ago, while teaching at a local university, I encountered a student who spoke perfect English, with an American accent. When I asked whether she had ever lived or studied abroad, she said no. She watched American movies.

This activity had also enhanced her vocabulary. In a lesson on parts of the body, I used my own somewhat unattractive body to illustrate. When I got to the lower region, I pointed to my bottom and announ-ced, “This is the bottom, also known as the buttocks, backside, hindquarters, posterior, rear end, and, if you wish to be elegant, la derriere.”

Up shot the hand of Miss Movies. “Can we say ‘butt’?” she inquired. “Yes, we can,” I affirmed, “although that is somewhat informal.” “And can we say ‘ass’?” she pursued. “You can,” I replied, “but that is considered vulgar, and will earn you some peculiar stares at cocktail parties attended by the international glitterati.”

Inspired by this exchange, the class begged me to teach them all the slang, insults, and dirty words in the language. Since that exceeded my mandate and might have brought down upon my hapless head the wrath of the university authorities, I wisely advised them to watch the Dirty Harry and early Eddie Murphy movies, then in vogue, if they craved further instruction in this important field. Nowadays I would advise them to listen to rap music. 

S Tsow

Bangkok