Video materials in English language teaching

Most materials available to users of video in English Language Teaching were designed neither for the ELT classroom nor for video: they originated as TV programmes or as films produced for a native speaker audience. An analysis of the characteristics of video and its possible roles at different stages in a language programme underlies the design of a set of video sequences, Video English, intended specifically for classroom use, within the framework of a methodology which puts the emphasis on communicative competence. Similar principles are exemplified in a discussion of another published series, Television English, which is based on BBC archive material. In conclusion some findings of research into non-verbal communication are considered in relation to the use of video materials in the language classroom.