6 Ways to Use Spanish TV to Improve Your Spanish Skills
It takes a lot of patience and hard work to learn a new language. Spanish, being one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, is also one of the most studied languages worldwide. However, learning nowadays isn’t confined to a single four-corner room – that is, if you’re creative enough with clever ways to do so. Watching Spanish TV is one great way to improve your Spanish skills, and apparently, it’s a common method other students use.
So, if you’re considering using Spanish TV to improve your Spanish skills, you’re already on the right path. But before we start sharing the smartest ways to use Spanish TV for your language learning, we recommend you have a Spanish-dedicated TV service like Go Latino TV for better outcomes. Ready? Let’s start!
1. Take Notes
Even though you’re just watching, you need to make sure that you’re taking notes of everything important. It could be words you’re unfamiliar with, the intonation and pronunciation of certain phrases, or even cultural references that you come across. Always keep a pad of paper or a notebook and a pen handy. You can even use your laptop or your tablet if that’s what you’re more comfortable using. However, we recommend writing it on paper because it has been proven that individuals retain more information that way.
2. Mimic What They Say
Some people get so conscious of mimicking native speakers that they end up not even trying. However, mimicking what you hear on Spanish TV is an incredibly effective way to improve your pronunciation and fluency. Pay attention and try to replicate it as closely as possible. We understand that you might feel bad for making mistakes or feel awkward at first, but this is how you’ll learn. You can start by repeating short phrases and gradually work your way up to longer sentences as your Spanish skills improve.
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3. Try Understanding the Show without Subtitles
This tip is not suitable for beginners, as trying to understand a Spanish show can be overwhelming if you don’t have enough knowledge. But if you’re confident about watching TV shows without subtitles, we highly suggest you give it a try. Testing yourself using this advanced method can give you an idea of your progress.
Moreover, if you can understand the show without the subtitles, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence in your language skills. You can start with shows created for children since they’re relatively easier than news, documentaries, and telenovelas.
4. Don’t be Ashamed to Pause and Repeat
We don’t expect you to learn from a TV show in one go, and you shouldn’t, too. The process will involve a lot of pausing and repeating and pausing and repeating as much as you need to. If you come across a particularly challenging phrase or dialogue, pause the show, rewind, and listen to it again. Break down the sentence into smaller parts, and try to understand the meaning of each word. It can be frustrating at first, but don’t be too hard on yourself.
5. Rewatch if Possible
Let’s say the first time you watched the TV content, you were heavily dependent on subtitles. The second time you watch it, you must be able to understand some of the words or phrases without reading the subtitles. The next time, you should be able to fully understand the show just by actively listening and not reading any subtitles.
Doing this will allow you to fully understand the show you’re trying to watch while improving and testing your skills. If you’re hesitant because you think you’ll get bored, trust us, it’s highly unlikely. You will learn something new every time you rewatch that particular show, and you’ll be amazed.
6. Enjoy Every Show You’ll Watch
The whole point of using Spanish TV to improve your Spanish skills is to help you learn while having fun. It will not be fun if you’re just going to focus on the technicalities of their language. Make sure to enjoy the content you’re watching. Choose shows and genres that interest you, whether it’s dramas, comedies, documentaries, or reality TV.
The Bottom Line
When you’re genuinely engaged and entertained by Spanish TV, learning becomes more enjoyable and effortless. So, while you’re at it, explore different aspects of Spanish culture, language, and society through the TV shows you watch. It makes learning so much easier and fun. Happy watching!
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