The role and place of films in teaching Russian as a foreign language in the absence of a language environment: the case of working with Chinese students using the material of Melnikov’s short film “Vanka”

The rapprochement of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China has led to an increased demand in broad-based specialists capable of carrying out intercultural communication in Russian. Chinese universities are increasing the number of students in the specialty, where education is conducted in Russian. In the context of the continuing traditional approach to teaching, a foreign language, including Russian, and the emerging trend towards a communicative orientation of education, especially in the country’s language universities, make it relevant to search for new methods of teaching intercultural communication in Russian, especially in the absence of a language environment. The author of this article examines the use of such multimedia tools as films in Russian in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language, determines the advantages of using authentic videos with Chinese students of language and technical specialties. The result of the practical experience of using the authentic modern short film “Vanka” (2020) by Russian director Igor Melnikov in a Chinese audience is presented. Various types of tasks are presented and described at all stages of working with film materials. It is concluded that films have a number of advantages in solving specific educational tasks, and are an appropriate material for the formation and development of communicative, linguistic and cultural competencies. Also, methodically well-organized work with the film contributes to achieving a pedagogical effect, preserving the interest of Chinese students in the Russian language.