Emotionales Spracherlebnis: Shaun the Sheep im Kurzfilm Off the Baa!
Ein Kohlkopf wird zum Fußball, hungrige Schweine reißen sich darum und ein Vogel wird zum neuen Ziel. Off the Baa aus der Reihe Shaun the Sheep bringt den Humor des britischen Animationskünstlers Nick Park (Aardman Animations / Wallace & Gromit) in den Englischunterricht. Während die deutschen Kicker in Südafrika zur WM antreten, versuchen sich die Schüler als Fußballkommentatoren.

Mr Bean’s simple slapstick has made it one of Britain’s most popular comedy exports
This year marks the 20th anniversary of ‘Mr Bean’, the British physical comedy series that has won huge audiences all over the world, with its uncomplicated physical jokes and naïve humour.

Monthy Python’s “Always look on the bright side of life”
Over 30 years after its release, the comic, and, one might say, very British song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”, remains popular in the UK, as an anthem to the absurdity of life and keeping positive when times are hard.

Charlie Chaplin‘s Modern Times (1936) im Englischunterricht
Wenn Charlie Chaplin Missstände der Gesellschaft aufzeigt, ist dies hochkomisch und bitterernst zugleich. In Modern Times soll eine Füttermaschine die Produktivität der Arbeiter am Fließband steigern. Das Ganze läuft aus dem Ruder – und Zuschauern bleibt das Lachen im Halse stecken.

Parodie amerikanischer Pop-Mythologie im Comic Jack B. Quick
Fast die Hälfte der amerikanischen Bevölkerung glaubt an die Existenz von Ufos. Was das über Weltbild und Kultur einer Gesellschaft ausdrückt, ergründen Schüler anhand der Comics von Alan Moore und Kevin Nowlan. Die Lektüre der Reihe Jack B. Quick erlaubt einen distanzierten, humorvollen Blick auf aktuelle pseudowissenschaftliche Theorien.

Entertainer John Hudson talks about his personal views on humour
Oddness, funny situations, voices or faces. There are numerous reasons why people laugh. But what they all have in common is the odd and unexpected, which is often a surprising turn in action.

What young people can do and see in South Africa
“So you have the privilege of visiting South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. You’ve booked the tickets, told all your friends, and have even started purchasing a few items for the trip,” states Lonely Planet Africa. And now what? South African Sofia Tosolari offers tips for your to-do, see and experience list.

Tattooing becomes popular in South Africa
South Africa has always been a little conservative – not surprisingly, the world of tattoos was seen with disgust. The taboo surrounding tattooing has only recently been broken, and it is now a popular fashion trend and statement of identity. The different ethnic groups within South Africa all practice the custom in their own different ways.

Just before the World Cup begins, blacks and whites demonstrate fraternity
When the FIFA World Cup 2010 was announced, South Africa was in a state of euphoria. But the jubilation was confined to the camps of colour and tribe. However, with the event about to start, South Africans have adopted a different stance: “Let’s show our best together”, is the new phrase passing across every lip.

Germany is home to Europe’s oldest rugby organisation
“Rugby ist ein Sport für alle.” The Deutscher Rugby-Verband is the oldest rugby football organisation in mainland Europe. The German team’s promotion to Division One of the European Nations Cup brought them a step closer to the dream of taking part in the Rugby World Cup 2011.

British Rail: much change for the worse
Travelling by train in Britain is adven¬turous. Trains are often run down and dirty, tickets are expensive, and travell¬¬ing can be dangerous. Many Britons now prefer planes and cars.

Why men are considered funnier than women
In the UK, there are far more famous comedians than comediennes. It’s an age-old cliché, but when it comes to making gags, many still believe that the ‘fairer’ sex just can’t compete. But this might be due to evolution and gender roles in society, rather than a genuine lack of female humour.

Why Canadians make fun of the ‘Newfies’

An English painter with a love of nonsense poetry