Evaluating the Use of a Japanese Movie in English Education

Abstract

This paper examines the use of Japanese and American movies in the teaching of English in Japan. It also looks at how the Japanese movie and related tasks used during the lessons may potentially motivate Japanese university students. Tasks such as subtitle translation and listening comprehension with phonetic symbols as clues were given in class. The results of this study are as follows: (1) the American movie, “Edward Scissorhands,” is considered appropriate as an input task material, and the Japanese movie, “Tonari no Totoro,” is considered appropriate as an output task material. (2) The students surveyed have scarce knowledge of phonetic symbols. (3) The students do not regard phonetic symbols as good listening clues; however, these symbols are considered favorable as translation clues. (4) The students have little trouble accepting subtitle translation tasks based on the Japanese film. These results indicate that Japanese movies can be a potential motivator for Japanese students of English.