TV Series are a popular way to broaden vocabulary and advance in Listening skills. Blockbusters such as Game of Thrones, The Handmaid’s Tale, Better call Saul, Maniac, Siren and many others are capturing the hearts of viewers all over the world. What better way to learn a language than watching your favourite TV series!
We asked our students recently what percentage watched their series with Spanish subtitles or with English subtitles. The majority went with Spanish subtitles because they found it easier to follow. We asked them if they learned any new vocabulary watching with Spanish subtitles and the answer was negative. Nevertheless those who watched with English subtitles felt they did!
Despite the fact that Netflix and HBO have opened up the world of TV series, they may not have as high a learning value as audios in English syllabi. Texts such as Business Result (Oxford University Press) and Business Benchmark (Cambridge University Press) come with audio CD’s which are an invaluable learning tool. Here students are encouraged to answer specific questions related to listening exercises which helps keep them focused on the task in hand.
However, we can still use TV series as a specific exercise for homework. Our teachers encourage their students to watch a specific episode of a series at home and come into class prepared to answer questions related to what they have watched. Recently we have been using Modern Family (a popular comedy) as the episodes are short (20-25 minutes) and the language easy to follow. The students watch it with English subtitles and use a notebook to record any new vocabulary.
In short, although there are advantages to watching TV series in its original language, its learning value can only be gauged by watching with English subtitles. We find that focusing your mind on specific listening tasks helps advance your learning far more quickly.