Notes on the Lecture: Learning English through Disney's Moana

Introduction

• Presenter: Xtenia, English fluency coach
• Lesson focus: Disney animation based on Polynesian mythology, focusing on Maui and Moana
• Activity outline:
  • Watch clip with subtitles
  • Teach pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar
  • Comprehension test without subtitles
• Reminder: Weekly lessons available to improve English fluency and understanding of movies/TV shows.

Scene Overview

• Features Moana tricking Tamatoa, a giant crab monster, to help Maui retrieve his magic hook.

Vocabulary and Grammar Lessons

Key Vocabulary

• Bait: Small amount of food used to attract fish or animals.
• Sparkly: Something that shines like gold or diamonds.
• To sell: Convincing someone to accept an idea or story.
• I'm not buying it: Expressing disbelief in a story or idea.

Phrasal Verbs and Expressions

• Get along: To have a good relationship.
• Stick to the plan: Stay focused on the original plan.
• Bragging: Talking boastfully about achievements.
• Rip off: To cut or tear something violently; can also mean to cheat someone.

Grammar Focus

• Conditional Sentences: Example of first conditional "If you go up there, he will kill you."
  • Structure: Present Simple in if-clause; will + infinitive in main clause.
• Tag Questions: Used to confirm information or encourage a response.
  • Example: "You're a funny-looking little thing, aren't you?"
• Connected Speech: Pronunciation changes in speech; e.g., "What are you doing down here?" becomes "What are ya doing down here?"

Pronunciation Tips

• Flap T: American English often softens the T sound between vowels. E.g., "Wait a minute."
• Linking: Words in sentences often get linked together, e.g., "and it took a week" becomes "and itook a week."

Cultural References

• Humongous: Extremely large; a mix of "huge" and "monstrous."
• Crabulous: A playful combination of "crap" and "fabulous."

Comprehension Test

• Clip will be rewatched without subtitles.
• Questions based on vocabulary and grammar discussed.
  • Example questions include:
    • What does bragging mean?
    • What phrasal verb describes a friendly relationship?
    • What is the correct tag question for "You're a funny-looking little thing?"
    • What is the opposite of humongous?

Conclusion

• Encouragement to continue learning English using movies as a resource with a follow-up lesson suggestion.