MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING NGUYEN THUY HIEN PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF MOVIES IN ENGLISH ON INCREASING VOCABULARY PROFICIENCY FOR FIRST- YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về hiệu quả của phim tiếng Anh đến việc tăng cường vốn từ vựng cho sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh tại Đại học Phenikaa Student: Nguyen Thuy Hien ENGLISH LANGUAGE Student ID No: 20010045 Course: 2020 – 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: Nguyen Vu Giang, M.A Ha Noi – 2024 1 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF MOVIES IN ENGLISH ON INCREASING VOCABULARY PROFICIENCY FOR FIRST- YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về hiệu quả của phim tiếng Anh đến việc tăng cường vốn từ vựng cho sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh tại Đại học Phenikaa Student: Nguyen Thuy Hien Student ID No: 20010045 Course: 2020 -2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: Nguyen Vu Giang, M.A Ha Noi - 2024 i ABSTRACT After completing 9-12 years of English education in schools in Vietnam, individuals often face challenges in communication and vocabulary upon entering a new university setting, that is mainly due to the traditional teaching methods, which often rely on learning vocabulary or grammar, can make learning English more challenging for students because they can feel bored. This study focuses on the impact of English movies on enhancing vocabulary skills among 131 first-year English majors at Phenikka University, utilizing quantitative research methods. The findings indicate that students recognize the benefits of expanding their vocabulary through watching English movies in addition to traditional classroom instruction. However, learners also encounter difficulties such as the fast pace of movies and exposure to unfamiliar vocabulary.
Keywords: English movies, vocabulary, teaching. ii DECLARATION I, Nguyen Thuy Hien- 20010045, certify that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgements and that the report is originally written by me under strict guidance of my supervisor. Hanoi, 1 July, 2024 Supervisor Student MA. Nguyen Vu Giang Nguyen Thuy Hien iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the completion of this study on the effect of movies in English on increasing vocabulary proficiency among first-year English majors at Phenikaa University.
First and foremost, I am thankful to my supervisor Nguyen Vu Giang, whose guidance, expertise, and unwavering support have been instrumental throughout this research journey. Their insightful feedback and encouragement have significantly enriched the quality of this study. I am also indebted to the faculty members of the English Department at Phenikaa University for their valuable insights and encouragement. Their collective wisdom and academic rigor have inspired and shaped the development of this research project.
Special thanks are due to the participants of this study, whose cooperation and enthusiasm made this research possible. Their dedication and willingness to engage in the study have provided invaluable data and perspectives. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the support of my colleagues and friends who have offered their assistance and encouragement during various stages of this research endeavor. Their insights and discussions have been immensely valuable.
Lastly, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family for their unconditional love, patience, and understanding throughout this endeavor. Their support has been a constant source of strength and motivation. This study would not have been possible without the generous contributions and support of all mentioned above. Thank you for believing in this research and its potential impact.
iv TABLE OF CONTENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Rationale of the study. Aims and objectives of the study. Scope of the study.
Significance of the study. Method of the study. Design of the study. Previous research findings.
Types of vocabulary. Level of vocabulary. The Importance of Vocabulary. Types of movie.
Movie on vocabulary. Teaching vocabulary through movies. The importance of using movies to learning language. The Criteria for Selecting Movie.
Advantages and disadvantages of using movie in language learning. 33 CHAPTER 2: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Issue in the study. Limitation of the study.
x vi LIST OF CHARTS Chart 2. Level of interest in watching English movies. Frequency of watching English movies. The use of learning English language through movies.
The learner’s proficiency without English movies. The learner’s proficiency with English movies. Effect of English movies on improve vocabulary acquisition. Effect of vocabulary movies to increase the student’s motivation in learning.
The use of captions. Use movies as instructional teaching tools. Inspire to engage in class discussions. Percentage of using movies vocabulary in daily life.
Watching English movies without subtitles. Difficult of English subtitles. The speed of characters in English movies. The length of the movies.
Student’s concentration level to learning English movies. 46 vii LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Types of vocabulary. Some difficulties when learning through English movies.
47 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2. Selecting movies to watch. Some difficulties when learning through English movies. 47 ix LIST OF ABBREVIATION 1 DCT Dual Coding Theory 2 EFL English as a Foreign Language 3 ELLs English Language Learners 4 L2 Second language 5 L2 acquisition Second language acquisition 6 L2 learners Second language learners 7 L2 vocabulary Second language vocabulary 8 SLA Second language acquisition 1 INTRODUCTION In recent decades, English has emerged as a major and dominant global language [1].
Given its status as both a global language and the official language of the United Nations, English serves to illustrate the significance of a single language as a means of facilitating communication on an international scale. Consequently, the majority of educational institutions, from primary level upwards, are responsible for equipping students with the ability to speak, read and comprehend English. Prior exposure to this language would facilitate a superior level of linguistic proficiency. However, learning new languages is an extremely complex, time-consuming endeavor.
In an effort to find the most engaging and effective way to learn a language, second language educators use different types of English resources [2]. One strategy that has been demonstrated to be effective is the use of English-language films as a tool for language learning has gained considerable traction in recent times. [3] posits that the utilization of English films in the context of English language learning should be actively promoted and integrated into the pedagogical praxis of language educators. This can promote interactive participation and raise awareness of the importance of vocabulary learning through watching movies.
The use of films in an academic setting can facilitate an immersive environment, thereby encouraging students to engage more effectively with the language. [4] suggest that the incorporation of movies in an English language learning context can assist in addressing several of the challenges commonly encountered, including a lack of comprehension, limited vocabulary, slow reading, poor grammar, and the development of basic conversational skills. Furthermore, films could facilitate the introduction of vocabulary on various topics into the classroom, thereby mitigating any inadequacies on the part of educators. In line with the findings of [5], the use of English movies has been shown to be an effective method of developing the vocabulary, grammar, and other 2 language skills required by English Language Learners (ELLs) to improve their proficiency in the English language.
Moreover, it has been demonstrated that watching movies, particularly with subtitles in place, can facilitate the development of vocabulary skills [6]. The use of English subtitles is beneficial for students in that it allows them to comprehend words or phrases that they already know within the context of the narrative. It has been observed that students frequently misunderstand the context of what the speaker says, which may hinder their comprehension of the material. The use of subtitles has been demonstrated to be more effective in improving comprehension than non-subtitled movies [7].
Besides that, there are some disadvantages when watching English movies. Other researchers [8, 9] argue that there are several disadvantages to watching films for learning English, as the films lack teaching and educational intent. Based on the previous result above, the researcher conducted a study by considering the characteristics of students learning vocabulary on the first-year English majors at Phenikaa University. Hence, in the first part, this research aims to define vocabulary, movie and teaching vocabulary then demonstrate the importance of these.
Next part, the study discusses the effects and side effects of watching movies to increase vocabulary proficiency for the first-year English majors, especially with subtitles at Phenikaa University. Lastly, some suggestions help improve the learners’ vocabulary. Rationale of the study Today, English has become an increasingly important part of life with the development of the global economy. It is used worldwide and most international media, programs and news are written in English.
It also helps to have an advantage at work and to have the opportunity to work for international companies, etc. The easiest way to communicate is to understand what they are saying. If there is a lack of understanding, the result can be a breakdown in communication. That's why vocabulary is so important.
However, learning and improving vocabulary is still a difficult task for many people. There are many traditional methods used, 3 which are also very effective, but recent advances in technology allow us to use many more optimum, convenient and effective methods. The decision to conduct this study stemmed from recognizing the importance of vocabulary in learning a language, especially for first-year English students at Phenikaa University. Although traditional approaches are valuable, incorporating modern media, such as English-speaking movies, would be a promising approach in improving vocabulary learning.
The rationale for this study originated from an understanding of the significance of vocabulary in language learning, particularly among novice English learners at Phenikaa University. While conventional methodologies have intrinsic merit, integrating contemporary media, such as English-language films, represents a promising avenue for enhancing vocabulary acquisition. The objective of this study was to examine whether film viewing could serve as a valuable adjunct to traditional pedagogical techniques, potentially offering a richer and more contextually immersive learning experience. Aims and objectives of the study The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the efficacy of integrating technology and the internet in the teaching and learning process, with a specific focus on the use of English movies as a tool for enhancing vocabulary development.
Furthermore, an analysis of the level of student engagement and motivation when learning vocabulary through movies will be presented. What are the benefits of watching English movies in English to improve vocabulary for first-year English majors at Phenikaa University? 2. What are the drawbacks of watching movies in English to improve vocabulary for first-year English majors at Phenikaa University? 3. What are the perceptions of EFL learners on the educational use of films in the classroom? 4 4.
Scope of the study The research was conducted for first-year English majors at Phenikaa University, a private university in Vietnam that is notable for its substantial investment in educational quality. Significance of the study This study holds significant importance as it investigates the potential impact of English movies on vocabulary proficiency among first-year English majors at Phenikaa University. By exploring whether exposure to movies in English can effectively enhance students' vocabulary acquisition, the research aims to address gaps in current language teaching methods in vocabulary learning. If successful, this study could introduce language teaching, offering educators a multimedia tool that engages students in authentic language contexts.
Given the pivotal stage of language development in first-year students, the findings could provide valuable insights into integrating movies into curricula to foster improved learning outcomes and heightened student engagement in English language studies.