Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2018 Toolkit Toolkit 2018 Final | Page 29

Significance of Films as a Visual Medium
Kollywood movies, while connecting
South India to the Tamil Diaspora around
the world, influences them hugely.
○
The format of a film can be very different
from the typical three-act structure used in
narrative text, which gives films the space
to push boundaries and explore new
dimensions of storytelling
○ The three-act structure is a model used
in narrative fiction, that divides a story
into three parts, namely, the Setup, the
Confrontation and the Resolution.
● Singaporean Tamils have a different
collective identity from the rest of the
Indian diaspora. Visual mediums such
as film are one of the best ways to
document and archi ve the Singaporean
way of life.
○ However, currently there is a lack of
local Tamil films which allow for such
a historical archive to be created
Hence, films made by other Tamil
diaspora around the world are similar
to Kollywood movies, and tend to take
references from them frequently
Due to significant developments in
technology,
visual
mediums
of
communication have become increasingly
appealing to people as compared to written
texts. Used in the right manner, visual
media can leave a lasting impact on those
who watch it.
Importance of Films in Language Use and Sustainability
Films are an enjoyable and sustainable means
to promote the use of language with its visual
imagery, interesting storylines and high
viewership among youth.
Films provide examples of language use in
actual social settings which enhances the
language learning experience -- viewers are
exposed to the natural flow of the language
in an unrestricted environment and would
hence be able to emulate its use in their lives
(Donaphy, 2014)
○
“As one might guess, for students who
do not have consistent contact with
speakers of another language, film can be
a significant source of input. Because
learners will watch film and listen to
interactions between characters, film is
communicative input.” (VanPatten, 2015)
○ “...language is not acquired because of
practice but because of exposure to
language in communicative events.”
(VanPatten, 2015)
Films can also be effective in raising
awareness of local literary texts.
○ An interesting film made based on
local stories or poems can spark an
interest in viewers to read the
original text, hence promoting
language use in a more indirect
manner through literature
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