Our Top Picks for Immersive Cultural Education
Watching TV shows and movies in your target language can be an incredibly effective way to learn a new language. First and foremost, it provides an immersive language learning experience. As you watch and listen to the characters speak, you are exposed to the natural rhythm, tone, and accent of the language. This can be especially helpful in improving your listening and comprehension skills.
In addition, watching TV shows and movies can also help you learn new vocabulary and phrases in context. By hearing the language used in real-life situations, you can better understand its meaning and usage. This is a much more practical approach than memorizing vocabulary lists, which can often feel disconnected from actual conversations.
Moreover, watching TV shows and movies can help you immerse yourself in the culture of the language you are learning. You can learn about local customs, slang, and even humour, which can make it easier to understand and connect with native speakers. It can also help you gain a deeper appreciation for the language and culture, which can make the learning process more enjoyable.
How to Incorporate TV Shows and Movies into Your Language Learning Routine
To make the most of your language learning experience, it's important to approach it with intention and focus. Here are some tips for incorporating TV shows and movies into your language learning routine:
Use subtitles wisely
Using subtitles can be a helpful tool when watching TV shows and movies in your target language. However, it's important to use them wisely. Instead of relying solely on subtitles in your native language, try using subtitles in your target language. This can help you improve your reading and listening skills simultaneously. Also, try to limit the use of subtitles once you get comfortable with the language, to challenge yourself to listen and understand the language without the aid of subtitles.
2. Make notes
Take notes while watching the show or movie. This can be helpful in identifying new vocabulary, idioms or phrases that you can look up later. Writing them down and reviewing them after can help you internalize the new words and use them in your own conversations.
3. Participate in discussions about the show
Join online forums, social media groups, or local clubs where people are discussing the show in the target language. This can be a great way to practice your writing skills and get feedback from others. You can also learn about cultural references or expressions that might be difficult to understand on your own.
TV Shows and Movies to Watch for Language Learning
Now that you know how to incorporate TV shows and movies into your language learning routine, let's explore some specific shows and movies that we love and recommend you consider watching:
Love on the Spectrum - This Australian documentary series follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the ups and downs of dating and relationships. The characters speak at a slower pace and use clear, straightforward language, making it easier for language learners to follow along.
Insecure - This show follows the lives of two best friends in Los Angeles. It provides a great opportunity to learn about modern African American culture and slang used in the United States. Additionally, the characters speak at a moderate pace, making it easier to follow along without subtitles.
The Office - This mockumentary-style show follows the daily lives of employees at a paper company. It's a great show for learning about American humour and workplace culture, as well as practicing conversational English. The characters also use a lot of idioms and expressions, which can be fun to learn and incorporate into your own language use.
MasterChef - This competitive cooking show is a great way to learn about different cuisines from around the world and the specific cooking vocabulary associated with them. The judges and contestants come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, providing an opportunity to learn about different food cultures.
Derry Girls - A comedy set in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, Derry Girls follows a group of teenagers as they navigate school, family life, and the Troubles. This show is a great way to learn about Northern Irish culture and accents, as well as the specific slang and idioms used in the region.
Kim's Convenience - This Canadian sitcom follows the daily lives of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto. Viewers can expect to hear a mix of English and Korean language and cultural references, providing a great opportunity to learn about Korean-Canadian culture and immigrant experiences.
The Good Place - A comedy-fantasy series about the afterlife, The Good Place follows a group of characters navigating their way through a unique version of heaven and hell. The show features a diverse cast of characters with different accents and dialects, providing an opportunity to practice listening skills and learn about different English-speaking cultures.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before - A romantic-comedy that explores the complexities of first love and high school relationships. The movie is set in the United States and features a diverse cast of characters, including a Korean-American family. Viewers can expect to hear a mix of American accents and slang, as well as some Korean language and cultural references.
Get Out - A horror-thriller that tackles issues of racism and identity in America. The movie features a mix of suspenseful dialogue and satirical humour, as well as a range of accents and dialects.
Overall, each of these shows provides a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages, and ways of life. However, it's important to remember that while English is a global language, there are many different English-speaking cultures and accents to explore. It can be helpful to watch shows and movies from a variety of English-speaking countries, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and. This can give you a better understanding of the different nuances and variations within the language across cultures.
Keep in mind that language learning should be fun and engaging, and finding shows and movies that you enjoy can make a huge difference in your motivation and progress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different genres, styles, and topics, and remember that it's okay most important to enjoy what you're watching, so that you stay motivated to keep going with it.
Lastly, don't be discouraged if you don't understand everything right away. Language learning is a process, and it takes time and consistent practice to improve. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, have fun exploring the world of language and culture through film and television!