How to Master Any Foreign Language with Audiovisual Media

There are few greater feelings for me than finally being proficient enough in a foreign language to be able to understand bits of an eavesdropped conversation or, even better, to carry on a conversation of myĀ own. But if you’ve studied any language, you know that it takesĀ incredible amounts ofĀ diligence to get to this level. Being multilingual isn’t easy!

Teaching in Spain

But, as my bilingual students in Spain would attest here, it’s definitely fun.

Immersion is one of the best ways to pick up a foreign language, but taking a language course can be pricey, and jumping on a plane to a foreign country often isn’tĀ feasible. However, there are still plenty of ways to boost your language skills right from home. Here are some ofĀ my favorite audiovisual strategies for learning a foreign language.

Television and movies

TV and film offers a glimpse into how a language is actually spoken by native speakers, as well as featuring local dialects and slang. TheyĀ can also open you to a new world of intriguing history, events, and culture, all while feeling more fun than educational. Do a quick Google search for “best movies in [language].” There’s sure to be a world of critically acclaimed films and TV shows out there in your target language.

See? There are loads! (photo credit)

See? There are loads! (photo credit)

Netflix is a great place to start if you already have an account. Even better, Netflix allows you to access other countries’ databases when you’re abroad, and the free VPN HolaĀ will allow you to trick Netflix into thinking you’re overseas. Learning Spanish? “Hop” on over to Argentina for even more Spanish-language content.

If you aren’t ready to make the jump into foreign film, you may be able to add subtitles or voiceovers to English-language films. If you’re still a beginner in that language, watching a film you already know (Disney films are great for this!) will aidĀ your comprehension.

Hakuna matata, una forma de ser. Hakuna matata, nada que temer. (photo credit)

Hakuna matata, una forma de ser. Hakuna matata, nada que temer. (photo credit)

Music

The soundtrack to my later years of high school was Spanish pop, and, while I mostly listened to it simply because I liked the tunes, it was quickly apparent just how effective it was in boosting my language skills. I often found myself in the middle of an exam, unsure of how to grammatically express a concept, only to then realize, “Oh! They totally use this syntax in that one song I love!” And it may sound silly, but after years of struggling to roll my “r”s, one night while blasting a Juanes song in my car and loudly singing along, those errrrays finally came out right.

Juanes, Un DĆ­a Normal, learning Spanish through music

Where would my high school Spanish classmates and I have been without this CD?

Listening to music in foreign languages both exposes you to fantastic artists you may not otherwise know and drills the language into your subconscious. Before you know it, you’re picking up on vocabulary, syntax, accents, and expressions.

As for where to find foreign language music? SpotifyĀ has top 200 and viral 50 lists by country (click the “Global” dropdown menu here), which, not surprisingly,Ā includes songsĀ in English, but you’ll also be able to find current hits in each native language. Also try searchingĀ 8tracksĀ (I’m obsessed!) forĀ foreign language playlists.

Audiobooks and podcasts

Audiobooks and podcasts are another easy way to practice your listening comprehension skills on the goĀ while also learning about a topic that interests you. FluentU has a comprehensive post on how to find foreign language audiobooks and how to make the most out of themĀ here.

Take your pick! (photo credit)

Take your pick! (photo credit)

There are myriad language-learning podcasts available (see ten recommendations hereĀ and ten more here), many of which are free and aimed at beginner and intermediate students. Once your level has advanced,Ā regular podcasts for native speakers are a great tool. While brushing up on my Spanish, I’ve also learned about Spanish history through the History of Spain podcast and been regaled with spooky supernatural stories in podcast versions of the radio show Los misterios nos miran.

FluentU

FluentU is an awesome website (and, as of this week, also an AppleĀ app!) thatĀ puts a multimedia spin on language learning. First, choose your language (currently, Chinese, Spanish, French, English, German, and Japanese are offered) and your current level (from newbie to native). Then, you’re taken through a comprehensive course with vocabulary, grammar, and phrases, all accompanied byĀ entertaining video and audio ā€“ from news to movie trailers to music videos ā€“ sorted by ability level. Plus, you can download the lessons in advance when you have wifi acess so that if you’re traveling or don’t want to use up data, you can still learn on the go.

Learning French through FluentU

Learning French through FluentU

It’s a really easy-to-use app that makes the most of multimedia’s power to facilitate language learning. It’s free to register and access some of their content, but with a subscription, you have unlimited access to audio, video, and lessons. And guess what? I’m giving away a full year’s FluentU Plus subscription, a value of $180, to one of my readers! Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
What’s your favorite way to learn foreign languages? If you’re looking for media recommendations for your target language, let me know, and I may be able to help!

Disclaimer: FluentU provided complimentary access and the giveaway prize, but all opinions are entirely my own!


17 Responses

  1. Heather S says:

    Immersion hands down, being in the county and speaking and hearing it is my favorite!

  2. Steph D. says:

    As an ESOL teacher I love learning languages by listening to music, watching tv, and reading books in different languages. However, full immersion and travel is the best way to learn! šŸ™‚ thanks for the opportunity!

  3. Agness says:

    Great tips! I will definitely use them when start learning Dutch in September :)!

  4. Linda says:

    Making friends who speak the language I’m learning.

  5. Great tips all around, I’ve recommended almost all of these for language learning myself! I think as language learners and travelers we’re all obviously huge fans of in-country immersion, but that aside TV and movies are indispensable. Getting to hear (more or less) organically how people interact, what kind of words and phrases average people use in everyday situations, how they pronounce them, etc. is like just soaking your brain in the language. Plus it’s usually pretty entertaining!

  6. Carolsue says:

    I don’t really have any, but I know my kids pick up other languages quite fast from their friends — many of whom are bilingual.

  7. Hi there Kirstie, for me learning a new language is always fun. As I am an occasional traveler, I always pick up some words which always help when someone is expressing themselves. Although I don’t usually get to master the language to a pro level, I always have podcasts and audios of those that interests me the most. Thanks a lot for sharing, these are some solid ways to master a language.

    Cindy

  8. Helen Wilson says:

    heyy!!!

    its a very nice share ..

    People who have taken up a foreign language have been known to develop greater cognitive skills.

    They are mentally more flexible, more creative at solving problems and have a better sense of reasoning.

    thank you so much for your great share..

    keep up doing good work..

  9. Lesley Carolyn Sims Ayers says:

    thanks for this information

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