Developing and Studying the Effectiveness of EFR Annotations for Chinese Language Learners

0
304

DEVELOPING AND STUDYING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EFR ANNOTATIONS FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE LEARNERS Amber Marie Chen Department of Linguistics & English Language Master of Arts This project is intended to take the film To Live, directed by Zhang Yimou, and apply the Electronic Film Review (EFR) approach to it in a Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) setting. The Electronic Film Review project, developed by Alan K. Melby, is aimed at providing a superior language learning experience for Americans learning Chinese. Using feature films as a teaching tool has been found to stimulate and motivate students to achieve higher language levels, but in order for optimal learning to occur the material must be challenging yet accessible to the student. Most feature films, by themselves, are too advanced for the average language learner. The EFR approach provides annotations designed specifically for the feature film with the language learner in mind. These annotations can include access to vocabulary helps, grammar and cultural notes in order to bridge the gap between the learner and the film. It does not alter the film itself.