films

[Dale, Philip S.]

A couple of years ago I posted a notice asking for suggestions for fiction which had language as a focus, and I received many suggestions. As a followup, I'd like to recommend very highly Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow, a science fiction novel in which language learning plays an important role. It's also quite fascinating as a meditation on culture contact and miscommunication, and on the nature of faith. The author is a Ph.D. anthropologist.

My request this time is for film which has language as a focus. The two which come mind immediately are My Fair Lady, and Nell. Are there any others? I have a hazy memory of some bits in Monty Python movies, for example. The treatment of language can be done well or badly; I'm interested in film as a discussion starter. 

Thanks in advance for your help, and I'll post a summary.

Philip S. Dale, Professor and Chair
Dept of Communication Science & Disorders
303 Lewis Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
tel:   573-882-1934
fax:   573-884-8686
email: dalep at health.missouri.edu