Non-subtitled, uncaptioned TV viewing supports foreign-language learning: A self-study of the learning of Greek outside Greece

Abstract

In this paper, the author explores the impact of watching a television series in Greek without subtitles or captions as a learning tool. The study assumes that comprehensible input, epistemic agency, reflective learning, and narrow viewing build the basis for adequate independent learning of less commonly taught languages (LCTL). In this self-study, the researcher relies on her experiences viewing 134 episodes of the series Sasmos , along with her knowledge of applied linguistics and foreign language acquisition theories to gain deeper understanding of foreign language learning processes. The data set includes reflections, a scrutiny of vocabulary learned as documented in her vocabulary notebook, and the series itself. Findings illuminate several aspects of foreign language learning. Pedagogical implications regarding the use of a TV series as a central contributor to input in LCTLs are suggested.

Keywords

• greek as a foreign language
• non-subtitled/uncaptioned tv viewing
• epistemic agency
• reflective learning
• narrow viewing