Why use Videos to learn a language?

Videos are another form of visual input: one of the brain's favorite ways to learn. How can you as a language learner put this to use in your language studies?

Here is just one example of a visual language lesson by Travel Linguist... As always, for more info and material on specific languages, please use our Language Index.

Using Video to Create Language

Even better than a simple lesson though, is to use visual media to create language. How? For example, you could use a SILENT film like Charlie Chaplin or Mr. Bean, to watch and pause, and then use your new language to describe what is happening or what the character is doing. This method can be applied no matter what your language level. You can say "Mr. Bean is walking" (simple) or "Mr. Bean is walking worriedly to get to the store befor it closes". This is a great way to learn to think in your new language. By all means use your dictionary if you don't know a certain word. The different scenarios that Mr. Bean and Charlie find themselves in will no doubt help to improve your vocabulary!

Try it with the following clips...

Using Video for Language Repetition

Another way that visual media can be used is to repeat what the characters in a movie say. Pause it after a sentence and try to repeat, with the same accent and inflections (for example if they're angry then you should say it angrily too).

For example if you'd like to practice your Spanish try the pause and repeat method with Finding Nemo: Spanish Videos, in spoken Spanish and subtitles! Also, you could cover the screen up while listening to the audio, and try to guess what the situation being played out it is and what the emotions are of the actors/actresses.

These activities get different parts of the brain involved, which is so important. It will improve your retention immensely.

Help Others Live & Learn

Has video help you in learning a new language? If so we'd love to hear how you feel that it has helped you. Please e-mail us using the form below and share your language learning experiences.