Most people do know that Internet TV provides a choice of channels, cable or satellite viewers can only dream of, while also being free, but few of them are aware that watching free Internet TV can actually help to improve their language skills.
Language students around the world use foreign language channels to help them learn the language of their choice. From French and Spanish to Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese or Russian, to name but a few choices, it is possible to find channels in just about any language.
So how does this help to learn? It is well known that hearing a language spoken by natives within a natural context is the best way to learn, as it is far more likely to get the pronuciation right this way. In addition, many different responses to certain questions, situations, etc, as well as new words and phrases not included in textbooks can be picked up.
This is why many students choose to spend a year in a different country to learn languages. Watching native TV shows is the next best solution.
Even if subtitles are provided, it is best to have a good dictionary handy, as well as a notepad and pen, especially when first starting to learn. Whenever words or phrases that are not already familiar come up, the show, or whatever is being watched, can be paused and the relevant words and/or phrases can be noted down and looked up.
Taking the time to record one’s own attempts to pronounce newly found phrases and comparing them to the original heard in the show will ensure getting it right eventually. This may sound like a lot of effort, but it will work extremely well and will ultimately be worth it if the student is passionate enough about learning the language.
This naturally works almost as well if the show is in English and the subtitles are in a different language. It is not as helpful with the pronunciation, for obvious reasons, but will certainly bring up a lot of new phrases or words to add to one’s vocabulary.
Speaking from experience, it really does make a difference to be around individuals speaking a language as their native tongue or watching TV channels, listening to radio stations etc., when learning a language. Translating the lyrics of songs can be most educating while at the same time being entertaining, too.
Whoever said that watching soap operas could not be educational certainly didn’t know about this benefit of watching free Internet TV. When all that learning is getting too much for one day, it is always possible to catch a classic movie, catch up with the latest episode of one’s favourite show, watch the home team’s match or simply relax with one of the many music stations also available with the free Internet TV channels.
To put it in short, whatever the point of interest, whether for education, work or leisure, Internet TV has what it takes to provide all a person could possibly want at the click of a mouse.
The article is contributed by a TechPatio reader!
Good points Calvin! Internet T.V is a good source to learn new language. People might think it’s totally ridiculous but if you think about it, it’s actually plausible. It may be hard at first but it’s not impossible.
Internet TV is a great option or addition to visual learner’s means of education. I love this new technology and invention.
Internet TV, I never heard about this before until I visited this site. It looks perfect specially when you need to learn other foreign language. I am just wondering who invented this greatest technology? can someone please tell me.
Its a perfect way to get acquainted on different languages that the internet has to offer. Unlike the standard TV today that can only display the show from your country.
Awesome article. Didn’t think about using it for this but watching in another language really improves your vocab!
Hi, Calvin!
I recently commented on one of your other posts (guest post at cravingtech.com) and now I am seeing you here. Wow, you’re very active in blogging!
I agree-learning languages through foreign TV channels sounds a bit hard at first, but it is the definite way of learning the pronunciation correct…and like any other effort, this one also pays out at the end. A friend of mine actually learned very correct German just by seeing synchronized cartoons on one German TV channel, when she was just five years old.
awesome technology, about Internet T.V and Cables and how to set up it?
Being a language teacher, I just have to point out once more that exposing yourself to a foreign language is the best way to learn it. Language is a living thing and acquiring it is done both consciously and unconsciously. If you learn an entire dictionary and all the language rules, you still won’t be speaking the language. You have to be exposed to it.
Therefore, watching foreign programs is the second best way of learning it.
I was living in various different countries throughout my life and I speak 5 different languages. Here are my tips for anyone who wants to learn a new language:
* Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – start using the new language as quickly as possible – talk, talk, talk – even if you sound like a complete idiot.
* Watch TV – 2-5 times a day ~10-15 minutes and concentrate to capture as many words as possible in those 10-15 minutes.
* Order a magazine on you subject you are really passionate about. Read at least 1 page per day – make a note of all words you don’t know and write them in a little notebook with the translation. at the beginning it’s quite tough to do only 1 page , but it gets easier after only 2-3 weeks.
Hello Dear,
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Thanks