Will you believe if I say that watching television will help you become fluent in Spanish? Yes, TV watching proves to be magical in the language learning journey.
In this guide, we will reveal various methods to learn Spanish by watching TV.
Get ready to transform your television viewing into a dynamic educational tool that will accelerate your language learning journey.
Stay tuned for diverse strategies that will help you grasp and master a new language simply by enjoying your favourite shows.
Key Takeaway
The Science Behind Language Learning via TV
10 Tips to Learn Spanish by Watching TV
- Make Your Spanish Learning Plan
- Choose the Right TV Shows
- Listen to Audio in Spanish
- Use Subtitles Effectively
- Watch Spanish Shows on Multiple Devices
- Make a Playlist for Your Favorite Spanish OSTs
- Keep a Journal of Your Doubts and New Vocabulary
- Practice the Pronunciation of Spanish Words or Phrases
- Make a Summary of the Episodes
- Retell the Story to Your Friends
The Science Behind Language Learning via TV
Scientific studies have demonstrated that watching TV can significantly enhance language learning. This visual and auditory method stimulates various cognitive processes, allowing learners to absorb language naturally.
When watching TV, individuals are exposed to authentic language usage, including idioms, slang, and cultural context, which textbooks might not cover. This immersion activates both listening and comprehension skills, crucial for language acquisition.
The process leverages the brain’s ability to link images and sounds with words, enhancing memory retention. For those learning Spanish, regular exposure to Spanish TV shows can improve pronunciation and expand vocabulary.
It also helps in understanding the structure and rhythm of the language, critical components of language skills. Thus, TV is not just an entertainment medium but a dynamic educational tool that offers a practical, enjoyable way to enhance your language learning experience.
10 Tips to Learn Spanish by Watching TV
Now, let’s get started with the real tips to learn Spanish by watching TV. All these methods are tried and tested so you can believe in Spanish Express research and follow all these ways one after the other to ensure that you speak Spanish like a Native.
1. Make Your Spanish Learning Plan
Start your journey to learn Spanish by establishing a structured plan that incorporates regular TV viewing into your daily routine. Here’s how you can make the most of this method:
Set clear goals: Decide whether you’re starting as a beginner with a new language or aiming to enhance your skills in a second language.
Choose content wisely: Opt for TV shows that use basic vocabulary and are spoken in the native language of Spanish speakers. This will help you immerse fully in the linguistic environment.
Consistency is key: Dedicate specific times for your Spanish lessons through TV, ensuring regular exposure and practice.
Track your progress: Regularly assess your understanding and fluency to adjust your learning plan as needed.
2. Choose the Right TV Shows
Selecting the ideal TV series is key to enhancing your Spanish language skills effectively. Look for Spanish TV shows that are both entertaining and educational to keep you engaged and learning. Here’s a short list of recommended shows:
Extr@ – Designed specifically for learners, this sitcom-like series is humorous and easy to follow.
El Ministerio del Tiempo – A historical series that combines adventure with cultural and linguistic education.
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish – An educational program that uses a narrative to teach Spanish in an engaging way.
La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) – Known for its gripping plot and complex characters, this series is great for more advanced learners.
Gran Hotel – Set in the early 1900s, this drama is perfect for those interested in historical settings and European Spanish.
Narcos – While it’s a mix of English and Spanish, the Spanish spoken here is authentic and offers insight into various dialects.
Club de Cuervos – A comedy-drama about a football club, providing a mix of informal language and slang.
Cuéntame cómo pasó – Offers a deep dive into Spanish history and changes in the language over the decades.
Élite – A modern drama series set in a high school, featuring contemporary language and themes.
Velvet – A series set in a 1950s Spanish department store, offering a glimpse into the cultural and linguistic aspects of the time.
3. Listen to Audio in Spanish
When you watch Spanish tv shows, opt for Spanish audio instead of dubbed versions. Listening to the original audio helps you hear the authentic accents and intonations used by native speakers, which is crucial for improving your listening and pronunciation skills.
This practice also allows you to pick up on cultural nuances and slang that are often lost in translation. Engaging directly with the original language enhances your overall understanding and fluency, making your learning experience more effective and immersive.
4. Use Subtitles Effectively
Enhance your Spanish skills by using both Spanish and English subtitles. Spanish subtitles help refine your pronunciation and familiarity with the language, while English subtitles provide clarity on unfamiliar words and phrases.
This dual approach supports proper pronunciation and comprehension, allowing you to fully engage with the Spanish version of the dialogue and improve your understanding of English words within the context.
5. Watch Spanish Shows on Multiple Devices
Expand your Spanish learning by watching TV shows across various devices. you’re streaming on a tablet, tuning in on a television, or catching episodes via streaming services, each platform offers unique opportunities to engage with the language.
This flexibility ensures you can practice Spanish wherever you are, enhancing your exposure and comprehension.
6. Make a Playlist for Your Favorite Spanish OSTs
Create a playlist featuring Original Sound Tracks (OSTs) from your favorite Spanish shows and movies, such as the captivating scores from “Money Heist.”
This selection of music from Spanish-speaking countries immerses you in the linguistic and cultural nuances of the region.
By listening to these tracks, you enhance your language skills and deepen your appreciation for the artistry in popular Spanish Podcasts, movies and series.
7. Keep a Journal of Your Doubts and New Vocabulary
Start a journal dedicated to your Spanish learning journey. Use it to collect new words, jot down more words you encounter, and record many phrases that catch your interest.
This approach not only expands your lexicon but also offers creative ways to engage with and internalize the language, enhancing your retention and understanding.
8. Practice the Pronunciation of Spanish Words or Phrases
Improve your Spanish by focusing on the proper pronunciation of words and phrases. Listen to recordings of native speakers to hear the correct intonation and rhythm.
Regularly practicing pronunciation helps you speak more naturally and clearly. This method is essential for sounding like a native speaker and mastering the nuances of the language.
9. Make a Summary of the Episodes
To enhance your language skills, consistently watch TV shows and write summaries of each episode, beginning with the first one. Documenting key events and dialogues helps most people solidify their understanding of new vocabulary and phrases.
These summaries serve as practical examples of language usage, allowing you to actively track how your Spanish skills develop over time. This method effectively reinforces what you’ve learned and demonstrates your language skills progression.
10. Retell the Story to Your Friends
After watching movies, recount the stories to your Spanish-speaking friends. Engage in discussions about the plots and characters, using these conversations to practice speaking Spanish.
This method not only improves your language skills but also deepens your understanding of cultures in Latin America and other Spanish-speaking countries.
It’s a great way to connect with your Spanish-speaking friends and share experiences from different Spanish-speaking contexts.
Can you learn Spanish just by watching TV?
Yes, you can learn Spanish by watching TV, particularly if you immerse yourself in shows broadcasted in the foreign language. Regular exposure to a variety of TV shows helps you pick up more words and phrases naturally. Programs like “La Casa de Papel” and “El Ministerio del Tiempo” are excellent TV shows for this purpose.
Can I learn Spanish from Netflix?
Netflix offers some of the best TV shows for learning Spanish. With a wide range of Spanish language shows available, like “Narcos” and “Elite,” viewers can easily find content that not only entertains but also educates, making Netflix a great resource for immersive language learning.
How can I learn Spanish with TV shows?
To learn Spanish with TV shows, engage with series specifically designed to enhance language skills. “Destinos” is an example of a show created to teach Spanish. Watching shows actively, with a focus on listening and repeating dialogue, can significantly boost your language comprehension and speaking abilities.
What is the language learning app with TV shows?
Apps like Yabla and FluentU offer language learning through TV shows, incorporating various video content including news programs in Spanish. These apps also let users watch their favorite movies and series, providing a rich, contextual platform for learning Spanish effectively.
How long does it take to learn a language by watching TV?
The time it takes to learn Spanish by watching TV can vary. Typically, reaching an advanced level requires consistent engagement over several months to years. Starting from the first episode of a series and progressing steadily, some learners may see significant improvements quickly, especially if they supplement watching with other forms of learning. Blogs and latest posts often share success stories of people who have achieved fluency through such immersive methods. Even watching one movie in Spanish can serve as a valuable learning experience that introduces learners to the cultural and linguistic nuances of a Spanish-speaking country.
