This is my experiment. I hope you like it.
I have always believed in the practical application of foreign language studies.
Advertising is all around us. Advertising provides a window to the culture of another country. It reflects the desires and needs of average people; it influences everyday vocabulary.
A number of years ago, I did my “label” posters, which were very popular. Now I am taking it one step further and am putting advertising from different countries on-line to be downloaded free of charge.
These ads have not been chosen because they are cute or funny. I chose ones that introduce every day vocabulary for items many people have around the house or that present concepts with which students are familiar.
- The idea is to have foreign language students see “vocabulary in action.”
- Students will find the same brands they have at home or in their local supermarket or department store or home improvement store or boutique.
- They will see foods with which they are familiar and those which they only have seen mentioned in their foreign language textbook.
- They will see how people of all nationalities are concerned about the same things.
- If there are ethnic supermarkets in their city/town it will encourage them to visit them and get familiar with products.
- If they study abroad, they will be able to look for and recognize brands. A trip to a local market, supermarket or department store in another country is educational. It is one of the first things I do.
- They will see how much English is used in advertising internationally.
- If you can think of anything I have left out, please tell me.
These ads can be printed out. However, different ads are different sizes. When you print them, you will have to test what works best with your computer and printer. Some of them are too small to “fill a page” and will be blurry if enlarged too much.
Comments on Spanish ads.
For Spanish, I have divided the ads by countries. There is a lot of advertising for Spain. Not so much for other countries. A good deal depends on the standard of living of the country. There are many multi-national – food companies – that have similar products in a number of Latin American countries. Click to here to go to Spanish Ads.
Comments on French ads.
For French, with the EEC, it is impossible to separate ads for the French speaking countries in Europe. There is not that much on-line from Quebec, or at least I have not found it yet. For French, I have divided (loosely) by category. France, Quebec, Belgium and Switzerland are together. Click to here to go to French Ads.
I hope these will be useful. This section will be updated periodically. Please check back for new additions.
Your comments and suggestions are very very welcome. Please recommend this site to other language teachers and to students.
I look forward to hearing from you.
