Utilising Digital Media as a Second Language (L2) Support: A Case Study on Netflix with Translation Applications

• Main Author: Burcu Türkmen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croatian Interdisciplinary Society 2020-11-01
• Series: Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems
• Subjects: netflix; digital media; language competence; foreign language education; second language (l2)
• Online Access: https://www.indecs.eu/2020/indecs2020-pp459-470.pdf

Netflix, which has been increasing in popularity during recent years and has millions of viewers, is an international platform since it has multicultural films and their translations. Due to the content of TV series, films, documentaries, and various programs on Netflix, it appeals to the young and adult audiences and besides, offers unique options for children. This study aims to argue that the programs on Netflix are supportive, especially in learning and supporting a second foreign language. Second foreign language learning methods and language competence topics constitute the theoretical background. As a general theme, using videos, and movies in learning and developing foreign language is taken as a basis. Within the scope of this research, a questionnaire consisting of 8 questions to analyse the Netflix programs was used and given to a sample of 150 students studying translation in the English-Turkish language pair. These students are Netflix programs' audiences. The data obtained from the questionnaire has been analysed with the descriptive analysis method and a general situation assessment has been received concerning whether Netflix could help improve foreign language competence. As a result of this research, it has been determined that Netflix programs as a video-film category may contribute to the development of the second language. Thus, by using it in a controlled manner, Netflix may contribute to foreign language competence.