Hi there! It's Luca from MosaLingua.
Today I want to discuss a very fun method for
learning a language watching movies and television series.
At the end of this
video, you'll know how to really watch movies and TV shows to improve your
language skills.
I've been using movies and series to learn languages for years.
For example, I have to say that without Friends, my english would not have progressed so
fast as it did during my university years.
Before moving on, I need to tell
you something to straight up: if you are thinking that you can learn a language just by watching
a movie or a TV show, you're going to be disappointed. This method really works if
you are going to use it as a complementary tool and if you really
have some basic skills. You still need to learn vocabulary and try to speak as
much as possible. But if you want to improve your listening skills and pick
up a new vocab, then movies and series are your best friends. Now let me give
you some tips to get the most out of this method.
First ban dubbed movies and series.
From now on, only watch movies and series in the original version with
subtitles. At the beginning it's totally normal to have some troubles following
them. Eventually your brain will learn how to guess what is going on based on
context clues. Second: turn on the subtitles. If you are a beginner
it's okay to start with subtitles in your native language.
Then, as soon as you can switch to subtitles in the target language. Spend
as much time in this phase as you need to, and when you feel ready
turn off the subtitles.
Third: do not read the subtitles. You have to resist the
temptation to read the subtitles all the time. You need to train yourself to use
them as a visual aid. Otherwise you lose the interest of this method.
Another tip: do not look up words. If you hit the pause button frequently then you'll get bored.
Because your movie will last much too long.
If you really want to, you can keep a notepad next to your popcorn. Write down
some words and expressions you would like to look up afterwards.
5. Be regular and consistent. As always try to practice with regularity.
I recommend 2/3 movies per week or if you prefer series you can even watch an
episode every day. Because each one only lasts 40 / 50 minutes. And then, my final
tip: start with movies and series you already know quite well.
Of course it's easier to understand a movie or an episode of a TV show that
you're already familiar with. This way you know it will keep your interest and you
will already have some ideas of the plot so you will be never completely lost.
That's all for today! If you want to find out what the best movies and series are
for learning a language, click on the link below. Thanks for watching and
before you go, make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel because we have a
lot of other surprises and tools to share with you. Take care and have fun!