Media: tool for enhancing foreign-language learning

Languages are complex in nature and subsume social and cultural elements along with linguistic patterns. They are the access points to knowledge. It is thus that languages form an integral part of learning in the Indian context. Moreover, foreign-languages broaden the perspective and expose learners to new cultures, societies and ways of life. Accordingly, many foreign languages, especially French, are taught in educational institutions across the spectrum. However, it is important to ensure that foreign-language learning puts an emphasis on the communicative and socio-cultural aspects of the language. With an increasing base of users and viewing, media presents a potential for access to global content. This media potential may be exploited in a language classroom to give students an exposure to foreign-languages and to highlight its complex nature. This study explores the role of media in a French-language classroom. Media-based activities were conducted in an undergraduate French classroom which yielded positive results in the form of improvement of student participation and language skills. This study thus defines the scope and role of mediated content as a pedagogical tool for language learning.