Language and Language Teaching, Issue 2 - Azim Premji Foundation

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Theoretical frameworkAdopting the story grammar approach (Stein andGlenn, 1979), cartoon shows can be utilized forteaching comprehension. This approach statesthat stories are thematic and plot-based, andcontain the following features:a) A setting that introduces the characters, timeand action.b) An initiating action, which is the action orthe event that sets up the problem for thestory.c) The internal response of the main characterto the problem.d) The attempts made by the protagonists tosolve the problem.e) The consequences of the actions of thecharacters, leading to the resolution of theproblem.f) The reactions of the protagonists to thesituation or event.The fact that comprehension precedesproduction is well established, both in firstand second language acquisition.Scholars such as Jean Piaget (2001) andStephen Krashen (1981) have discussedthe child’s ability to comprehend(assimilate information and understandthe various stimuli in the environment)much before his ability to articulate.Adults use the same story-structure in recalling(Mandler and Johnson, 1977) and summarizingstories, and this approach has even beenemployed to teach reading comprehension tolearners via stories. To illustrate my premise, Ihave chosen three popular cartoon serials—Tomand Jerry, Doraemon and Tenali Raman(though others can be used as well)—todemonstrate how they contain the basicelements of story grammar, and can thereforebe used to teach comprehension.Story GrammarElementsInitiating ActionTom and JerryDoraemonTenali RamanMostly, Tom wishes tocatch Jerry.Mostly, Nobita creates aproblem by disobeying hisparents or teachers, or bygetting into trouble withGian, the school bully.Nobita is worried and seeksDoraemon’s help.Doraemon produces agadget to solve theproblem, but Nobitamisuses it and the troubleescalates.Tenali’s enemies hatch aplot to revile him in courtby creating a problem, orsome commoner brings hisgrievance to the king.Tenali is puzzled and mullsover the problem.Tenali attempts to solve theproblem through his wit/clever tricks. Sometimes hetakes the help of his wife.Internal ResponseTom gloats over Jerry’spanic.Tom continues the mischiefand Jerry retaliates eitherwith objects-at-hand, orwith the help of otheranimals such as Butch thedog.Jerry is saved from Tom’sattack, who is eitherpunished for hismisdemeanor, or sustainsan injury.Jerry is happy and relieved,whereas Tom is sad.Attempts to solve theproblemConsequencesThe problem is solved,Nobita is saved, and thegadget is restored toDoraemon.The culprit is caught, orderis restored, and Tenali isrewarded by the king.Reactions of theProtagonist/sNobita realizes his mistakeand promises not to repeatit; Doraemon is happy.Tenali’s enemies areshamefaced; the kingpraises him much toeveryone’s joy.Language and Language Teaching Volume 1 Number 2 July 2012 22
Comprehension is a two-fold process whichincludes surface comprehension of the text aswell as a deeper comprehension of the eventsconcerning the society at large. By viewing thesecartoons, the learners are exposed to themannerisms, social norms and cultures of variousregions.Analysis: Story grammar through cartoonshowsTom and Jerry, produced by Walt Disney,shows the tales of a tyrannical cat called Tomwho is always pestering a mischievous mousenamed Jerry. Doraemon, a Japanese cult iconthat has become immensely popular of late,presents the anecdotes of an intelligent, humanerobotic cat—Doraemon—who employs‘electronic gadgets’ to help his naughty butinnocent friend Nobita from problematicalsituations, or the school bully Gian. Its popularitycan be evinced from the fact that it is telecastin most vernaculars, and was officially declaredby the Japanese government as the animeambassador of its culture in 2008. Unlike theseStagesInitiating actionInternal ResponseAttempts to solve theproblemConsequencesReactions of theProtagonist/sAdditional Questions onhumour and social relevanceQuestions on Tom andJerryWhere are Tom and Jerry?What prompts Tom totrouble Jerry?What plans does he make tocatch him?How does Tom feel afterlaying the trap for Jerry?How does Jerry feel?What does Jerry do to savehimself?Whose help does he take andhow?What does Tom do tocontinue chasing him?Does Tom finally catchJerry?How is Jerry saved?What happens to Tom inthe end? Is he punished?Does Tom realize hismistake?How does Jerry feel?What is/are the funniestscene/scenes in the episodeand why?What do we learn from it?What could have Tom doneto save himself?Questions on DoraemonWhat does Nobita’s motheror teacher ask him to do?What does he actually do,and why?What are the consequencesof Nobita’s disobedience?Why is he worried?Why does he go toDoraemon?What does Doraemon do tohelp Nobita?What does Nobita do withthe gadget?Why does Nobita get intofurther trouble?Why does Doraemon getangry with Nobita?What do Nobita andDoraemon do?Who helps them?How does Doraemon solvethe problem?Who is punished and why?Is Nobita saved?Does he realize his mistake?How do Nobita andDoraemon feel?What is your favourite scenein the show and why?What do we learn from thestory?What would have happenedif the problem had remainedunsolved?Who would have been hurt?Does this problem affect ustoo?If yes, what should we do tohelp ourselves?Questions on TenaliRamanWhat do Tenali’s enemiesplan, and why?What problem does thecommoner face?How does Tenali feel whenhe learns of the problem?How do his enemies feel?What puzzles Tenali?What does he do?Does he take anyone’s help?If yes, who is it?Is the problem solved?Does Tenali solve theproblem?How does he do so?What tricks does he use?What reward is Tenali given?What happens to theculprit?How does Tenali feel?Is the king pleased?Do his enemies realize theirmistake?What do you learn from thestory?Do we face a similarproblem?If yes, how should we solveit?Language and Language Teaching Volume 1 Number 2 July 2012 23
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