This document discusses using film dialogue and subtitles as a resource to promote language awareness in language learning. It outlines how film dialogue constructs representations and relationships through communication in an accessible way for students. Examples are given of analyzing dialogue for indirectness, politeness, swearing, and representations of identity and language variation. The document argues that observing film dialogue allows students to develop explicit knowledge about language in a low-risk context. Further steps suggested include having students write subtitles and enact scenes to bridge understanding and production. Open questions remain about coordinating this approach across first and second language teaching.

11. A - Indirectedness at work Commedia all’italiana L’ultimo bacio (2000) English subtitles - [Sweetheart, ] What if we bought our own house, instead of paying rent? - What? AUDIO: - Amore, e se ci comprassimo una casa tutta nostra invece che stare qui in affitto? - Eh ?

14. C - To swear or not to swear? Commedia all’italiana L’ultimo bacio (2000) [ You know, ] I want to be an actress. After [ I finish ] the [ fucking ] high school, I’ll come to an acting school. Audio: Lo sai che io voglio fare l’attrice? Appena finisco ’sto cazzo di liceo mi iscrivo a una scuola di recitazione

16. D - Identity in language (2) (past perfect) Commedia all’italiana I soliti ignoti (1956) Engl. subt.: Michele, there is someone at the door AUDIO: Michele, Michele, bussarono [ simple past ; she comes from Sicily!]

17. D - Identity in language (3) Commedia all’italiana I soliti ignoti (1956) Non le deve mancare nulla Engl. subt.: She will marry with great honour. She must not miss anything! AUDIO: […] Con grandissimo onore si deve sposare, e nulla ci deve mancare

18. D - Identity in language (3) (past perfect: he is mimicing her brother) Engl. subt.: - Who is? - Michele, I forgot my keys AUDIO: Sono Michele, dimenticai le chiavi [ simple past ]