“How to Learn English through TV Series and Movies” is an informative article that highlights the benefits of using TV series and movies as a tool for learning English. The article explains how watching these forms of media can improve vocabulary, listening comprehension, and social skills. It provides four different methods for incorporating TV shows and movies into language learning, ranging from watching with subtitles to imitating actors. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, this article offers valuable tips and suggestions for effectively using TV series and movies to enhance your English skills.
Benefits of Learning English Through TV Series and Movies
Learning English through TV series and movies can provide numerous benefits for language learners. Not only do these forms of entertainment entertain and engage learners, but they also help develop their English skills in various ways.
1. Vocabulary
When watching TV series and movies, learners have the opportunity to learn new words, phrases, and idioms commonly used in spoken English. Unlike traditional methods such as books, which some learners find boring, TV shows provide visual and auditory stimuli that make them more appealing and enjoyable. Through the context of the narrative, learners can understand and remember new vocabulary more effectively.
For example, they may encounter idiomatic expressions like “put yourself in someone’s shoes,” which means to empathize with someone by understanding their perspective. By learning and practicing these idioms in the context of the show, learners can incorporate them into their own speech and better comprehend native speakers.
2. Listening Comprehension
Movies and TV series offer a wealth of opportunities for English learners to improve their listening comprehension skills. The dialogue in movies can be challenging, especially for intermediate and advanced learners, due to the speed, natural intonation, and accent variations of native speakers. However, this difficulty is precisely what makes it beneficial for learners to expose themselves to diverse accents and speech patterns in real-life contexts.
By consistently engaging with a wide range of shows, learners can become more familiar with different accents and dialects, gradually improving their ability to understand native speakers in various settings. This exposure will help learners develop confidence and fluency in their listening comprehension skills.
3. Social Skills
TV series and movies provide a rich source of human interaction and social situations, offering learners opportunities to observe and learn verbal social skills. Learners can pick up on various aspects of social communication, such as different ways to greet someone, how to make polite requests, how to ask questions, and even how to order food in different settings.
While it’s important to note that films may contain exaggerated or fictional interactions, they still reflect reality to a certain extent. By observing and analyzing how characters interact with one another, learners can gain valuable insights into cultural norms, social etiquette, and appropriate language use in different situations. This can contribute to their overall proficiency in spoken English and enhance their ability to navigate social interactions effectively.
Different Methods of Learning English Through TV Series and Movies
There are several methods that English learners can employ to utilize TV series and movies as effective tools for learning the language. Each method offers a unique approach to language learning and allows learners to adapt their methods based on their own skill level and preferences.
1. Watch TV series with subtitles in your native language
For beginners who are still developing their English skills, watching TV series with subtitles in their native language can be an enjoyable and accessible way to understand the story and plot. However, this method is considered the least effective for learning English since learners do not have exposure to the actual English words being spoken.
To maximize the benefits of this method, it is recommended that beginners combine it with the next method, which involves watching TV series with English subtitles.
2. Watch TV series with English subtitles
Watching TV series with English subtitles allows learners to hear and visually associate the spoken words with the corresponding written English. This method can effectively improve learners’ vocabulary and comprehension skills, as they can directly see the words being spoken.
However, learners with poor English reading skills may find this method challenging during fast-paced scenes. In such cases, it is recommended to first watch the show with subtitles in their native language to understand the plot, and then watch it again with English subtitles to focus on learning and reinforcing vocabulary.
3. Watch TV series without subtitles
To enhance English listening skills, it is highly beneficial for learners to watch TV series without subtitles. This method encourages learners to immerse themselves fully in the spoken language and develop their ability to understand spoken English through context and auditory cues.
Watching without subtitles can be approached in two ways:
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Method 3.1: Watch with subtitles first
- Learners can watch a show with English subtitles for the first viewing to grasp the plot details and improve their vocabulary and reading comprehension. Then, for subsequent viewings, they can watch without subtitles to focus on enhancing their listening skills.
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Method 3.2: Watch without subtitles first
- This method involves watching the first scene or dialogue without subtitles and actively listening to understand the actors’ speech. If parts of the scene are not understood, learners can then turn on English subtitles for clarification. This approach allows learners to focus on their listening skills and gradually build their comprehension without relying on subtitles.
While Method 3.2 is considered the most effective for improving English listening skills, it may require rewinding and rewatching scenes with subtitles, which can be time-consuming. For learners who prefer a more streamlined experience, Method 3.1 is a viable alternative.
4. Imitate the actors
Another method to improve English speaking skills is to imitate the actors while watching TV series and movies. By pausing the video when an actor speaks and repeating their lines, learners can practice their pronunciation and intonation. This method allows learners to mimic native speakers’ speech patterns, body language, and facial expressions, helping them develop more natural and fluent spoken English.
To further enhance speaking skills, learners can utilize additional resources and speaking practice exercises, such as conversation partners, language exchange programs, or online speaking courses.
Best TV Series for Learning English
When it comes to choosing the best TV series for English learning, it’s important to consider the learner’s proficiency level and personal preferences. Here are some recommendations based on different skill levels:
1. Best Shows for Beginners
For beginners, animated movies are a great option. Animated films are generally easier to understand as they are designed to cater to both children and adults. They often have simple plots and don’t require extensive background knowledge on specific topics. Some popular animated shows include:
- Toy Story (4 movies)
- The Incredibles (2 movies)
- Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University
- How to Train Your Dragon (3 movies)
- Kung Fu Panda (3 movies)
- Shrek (4 movies)
Additionally, some live-action movies with easy-to-understand stories can be suitable for beginners, such as the “Back to the Future” trilogy.
2. Best Shows for Intermediates
Intermediate learners have a wider range of options to choose from in terms of TV series and movies. Here are some British and American shows that are popular among intermediate learners:
- Harry Potter (8 movies)
- Stranger Things
- Peaky Blinders
- Breaking Bad
- The Crown
These shows provide a mix of engaging storylines, well-rounded characters, and immersive settings, making them enjoyable platforms for language learning.
For additional recommendations, IMDb’s Top Rated TV Shows can be a valuable resource to explore different genres and find shows that align with personal interests.
In conclusion, using TV series and movies as a tool for learning English offers numerous advantages, including vocabulary expansion, improved listening comprehension, and the development of social skills. By utilizing various methods that cater to different learning preferences and skill levels, learners can make the most of this immersive and entertaining approach to language acquisition.