Facebook Movie-Based Discussions: Bringing Down Intercultural Barriers in English Language Education

Abstract

The paper’s main aim is to highlight the importance of underpinning English language education with intercultural competence. The authors describe and analyze the experience of the cross-cultural exchange in Facebook movie-based discussions as an innovative approach to English teacher preparation in Ukraine. The study examines the perceptions of American films regarding various social, educational, and cultural issues by American and Ukrainian participants. The authors address the following questions: 1. What are the intercultural differences in the perception of American movies manifested by the representatives of the American and Ukrainian cultures during movie club discussions? 2. What are the participants’ attitudes to online discussions in a Facebook group? The research engages 83 participants, including university professors, their family members, and prospective teachers majoring in teaching English as a foreign language. The study applies Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model and descriptive, comparative, and qualitative methods. Since the research is empirical and an exciting outcome of international academic collaboration in teacher preparation, its findings have proven the significance of cross-cultural communication for educational purposes. The emphasis on strengthening English language teacher preparation with intercultural awareness, values, and skills for service in the multicultural world has evident benefits for the quality of teacher training in the Ukrainian context. The research also signifies Facebook as a platform for future online educational collaboration.