Learning a new language is a journey, and for many, immersing oneself in films and TV shows is a delightful way to enhance skills. The world of on-screen captions can be a boon for English learners, especially for those with a soft spot for the silver screen. Vocabulary and expressions heard in movies are way more authentic and engaging than any textbook I used in my career as an ESL teacher. For many, the integration of YouTube, movies, TV series in the learning process is where pleasure meets purpose.
Here are some useful tips to increase you chances of success when building vocabulary through watching movies.
1. Watch Things You Actually Enjoy
The traditional classroom often misses the mark simply because it doesn’t cater to individual interests. My personal experience suggests that when you’re engrossed, your memory is more receptive. In other words, to get ahead as an English speaker, you should watch things you are really fascinated by. When things are interesting and relevant to you, you are more likely to remember them. This will enhance your learning progress and help you internalize new vocabulary.
By watching what you love, you’re not just learning English; you’re immersing yourself in it and living it.
2. Take Notes When Watching
Memory can be a fickle friend. While watching Downton Abbey, I came across the term “upstairs and downstairs” referring to the social hierarchy. By jotting it down, I could revisit and internalize it later.
Develop a habit of taking notes when watching your favorite content. You can use any medium that works for you, be it a notebook, tablet, mobile phone or note-taking device like the Kindle Scribe. The only condition? Keep in at arm’s length whenever watching your show.
3. Watch Something You’ve Seen Before
Starting with something you’ve seen before can be a game-changer. Imagine re-watching “Friends” but this time focusing on the language. You already know Ross’s infamous “We were on a break!” line, so now you can concentrate on understanding the cultural and linguistic nuances behind the lines rather than decoding the plot.
4. Rekindle Your Love for Cartoons and Kids’ Films
Don’t underestimate the power of “Toy Story” or “Finding Nemo”. These gems are not only entertaining but also linguistically accessible. With clear pronunciation and simpler sentence structures, they’re perfect for building foundational skills if Peaky Blinders is a challenge. Plus, who can resist the charm of Woody and Buzz’s friendship?
5. Think in Phrases, Not Just Words
While watching The Crown, I was struck by the phrase “heavy lies the crown”. The phrase is, in fact, an English idiom meaning that those charged with major responsibility carry a heavy burden that makes it difficult for them to relax. As on many such occasions, a quick research on the phrase led me down a wikipedia rabbit hole resulting in an uncanny discovery that it’s a common misquote of “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”, a line from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2.
Don’t limit yourself to just single words. Embrace the whole phrases and contexts you hear and make them stick. Say the whole sentences out loud to yourself. Jot them down. Scribble them on a post-it note and stick them onto your fridge. Imagine the different contexts you could use them in. This multisensory approach to learning is backed by science and is a sure-shot way to enhance retention.
6. Don’t Go Overboard Trying to Learn New Words
Movies are a treasure trove of context so it’s ok when you don’t understand everything. But even if a word or two eludes you, the visuals, tone, and expressions can fill in the gaps. Films provide you with ample contextual data to help you figure out the meaning.
But how many new words should you expect to be able to remember after watching a film? Casual learners acquire 3–7 new words per day. Intermediate learners might memorize 10–20 words per day. Advanced learners can go upwards of 20–50 words per day. Whichever you are, remember that revision is key. In other words, it will take seeing or hearing a word several times before you can confidently say you remember it and can use it correctly in the right context.
7. How to Approach Learning Vocabulary through Movies
The best approach to using subtitles for language learning often depends on your current proficiency level, your goals, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option:
1. Your Native Language Subtitles: The Comfort Zone
Pros
- Plot clarity. Ensures you’re on track with the storyline and character developments.
- Quick translations. You will get to instantly learn unfamiliar English phrases without pausing or reaching for a dictionary.
Cons
- Dependency: Relying too much on your native language might hinder full immersion into English.
- Potential crutch. Instead of pushing boundaries, one might settle in the comfort of their native language.
2. English Subtitles: A Dual Learning Approach
Pros:
- Connection building. English subtitles reinforce the bond between spoken and written words, making it easier to remember phrases and their meanings.
- Vocabulary enhancement. Spotting new words in context can be a game-changer for vocabulary expansion.
- Accent decoding. For those tricky accents or rapid dialogues, English subtitles come to the rescue.
Cons:
- Over-reliance on reading. There’s a risk of focusing more on the written word than the spoken dialogue. And this happens even if you are an advanced user of English who fully understands what the actors are saying — it’s just too hard to resist reading written words.
- Reading ahead. Speed-readers might find themselves reading ahead, missing the nuances of speech.
3. No Subtitles: The Deep Dive
Pros
- Pure listening. A raw, unfiltered experience that hones listening skills.
- Natural immersion. Mirrors real-life conversations where there are no captions to guide you.
Cons
- Potential frustration. Without a strong grasp, misunderstandings can arise.
- Missing out. Key dialogues or plot twists might go unnoticed.
For Each Their Own
Which strategy you choose will vastly depend on your current level of English.
- Beginners. Start with the comfort of your native language. As confidence builds, transition to English subtitles.
- Intermediate learners. Whenever appropriate, try to get comfortable with English subtitles. They offer a balanced approach to reading and listening. Occasionally, challenge yourself by going subtitle-free.
- Advanced learners. Take the deep dive without subtitles. For those tricky segments, English subtitles and the rewind button can always be your backup.
Final Thoughts
Active engagement is the secret sauce. Whether you’re jotting down new words, mimicking characters, or pausing to understand dialogues, being proactive is key. As you journey through films and shows, adjust your subtitle strategy to what suits you best, ensuring effective learning.
Movies and TV series are more than just entertainment; they’re a window into authentic language and culture. By actively engaging with content, jotting down phrases, and embracing the context, you can transform your English learning journey. Sometimes the most effective classroom is the one with a popcorn bucket by your side.
If you liked the tips, buy me a coffee to keep me going, thanks!
