Abstract: The article focuses on the theoretical bases of using films in foreign language teaching. The authors describe an experience of testing a dynamic usage-based approach of teaching foreign languages, based on usage-based theory of language acquisition, the emergentism theory of language development and the dynamic approach to second language acquisition. In this teaching approach the students are shown a film in fragments, each fragment is shown several times and is accompanied by a specific assignment. The lesson structure is given in the article. The present approach was used in a general course of English at the Institute of Asian and African Studies, a faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University. After the course the students completed a questionnaire. The research showed that students react positively to the approach; as a result of it, they are more interested in learning, motivated, their vocabulary develops. The theoretical background has shown that the approach could also be viewed through the prism of psychological studies on attention and memory. The authors conclude that the approach is worthy of attention and further empirical studies should be conducted.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the role of public organizations in formation of the language policy of the following cantons of Switzerland – Fribourg, Valais, and Graubünden. The multilingualism of the said cantons is officially codified in their constitutions and legislations; however, de facto the equality of rights among the language groups of the populations took some time to establish. It is assumed that such public organizations as “The Society of German Catholics” of Fribourg, “The Roman League” of Graubünden, etc. working with the language minorities, have affected the development of the language law and policy within the cantons. This article recites the data from the Swiss and international researches on the stated topic since the end of the XIX century until today. The work of these organizations resulted in the development of the indigenous identity among the language minorities, as well as in the consolidation of their efforts. By means of public campaigns, the organizations were attempting to attain the equality of language rights, as well as referendums on the introduction of changes into the language legislation.