Have you ever wondered how to use Netflix to learn Spanish?
For many of us we have heard that we can use resources like Netflix to learn a language, but how exactly do we do that.
Today we are going to find out some techniques that can help take our Spanish to the next level by using Netflix to our advantage to learn Spanish.
How To Use Netflix To Learn Spanish
It’s probably well known and almost everyone who is learning a language or knows a language has heard or been given the advise of find tv shows or movies to watch in your target language.
A technique that is considered as immersion.
This works when you are not able to travel to the desired country that you want to learn the language you begin to fill your environment with the target language.
So for example, the music you listen to, the books or blogs you read, changing your phone into the target language and most important…
watching series and movies in that language.
Although I wholeheartedly agree with this method as my phone has been converted to spanish and I try to listen to the majority of my music in spanish as well podcasts but I think there is still one thing missing.
Tell e if this story sounds familiar to you.
Can I Really Learn Spanish While Watching TV?
I was just told about this new series and all my friends were raving about it.
They were diving into the story plots the character development, the unexpected twist and turns and I could only sit and listen because I had not seen one episode.
So I decided I had to start watching it.
The only problem was the show was in another language.
No problem I have watched plenty of anime in my day so I’m used to reading subtitles while watching at the same time.
I began watching the show and episodes went by, who am I kidding seasons went by and I was hooked.
Just like my friends I was able to follow along with everything even in another language, with subtitles.
I even caught on a few words they were saying.
But ask me if I could speak that show’s language…
I’ll give you a hint, NOPE.
Don’t get me wrong I was able to say a few phrases but actually speak like them or have a conversation or understand the dialogue without subtitles.
I don’t think so.
Does this sound familiar to you.
Something was missing and I only recently just discovered it.
How To Effectively Learn Spanish With Netflix
Let me ask you a question
Do you have a favorite movie or tv show?
Mines avatar the last air bender.
Can you quote this movie word for word before the next scene even comes up?
Are seeing were I am going with this.
The one thing that I missed from binge watching a series on netflix was studying the show.
I simple watched it for entertainment.
Now I am not saying that you have to study a series or a movie word for word but think about it.
When you watch your favorite movie or tv show are you deliberately studying the show…
Chances are probably not, but you enjoy it so much that you watch it over repetitiously.
And this is the key.
When you find a show or a movie that you know very well and have watched it numerous times you become acclimated to the toneations, inflections, expressions and just about everything there is to it.
You’re studying it without realizing what you’re doing.
We need to take this same process when it comes to learning a language with Netflix.
To help you out here are few methods to help you using Netflix as a learning guide.
6 Ways To Use Netflix As A Spanish Teacher
1. Find a show/movie you like
I know this probably goes with out saying, but if you find a show and you don’t like it then you are just wasting your time.
Why bother right?
You won’t enjoy the process of learning spanish with the show.
That being said find a series on Netflix, or a movie, and let this be your designated show when watching or listening to your show in Spanish.
This will come into play as we get to step 5.
2. Watch in your target language with subtitles
After you find a show or movie you enjoy watch it in your native language with the subtitles of the target language you’re learning.
Did I mention it can be one of your favorite movies that you already familiar with.
Netflix offers the option to watch certain movies in different languages.
If you want to know how you can find out you can learn in this post.
When you find the show/movie watch it in your native language with spanish subtitles.
This will allow you to know the dialogue and to begin associating whats being said with the words written in spanish.
I will say this as a disclaimer…
sometimes the subtitles can be slightly off because either in spanish it has a different way to translate the dialogue or the transcript doesn’t match the audio exactly.
Besides that the first goal is to begin familiarizing yourself with the dialouge and the spanish text.
This is going to help for the next section.
3. Listen in your target language with native subtitles
Now that you have started to familarize yourself with the shows dialogue and you feel comfortable its time to switch.
Switch the audio into spanish and now watch the show or series with your native language subtitles.
What you’re doing now is familiarizing yourself with the sounds of the spanish language and seeing how the would form that statement in english or your native language.
Again if your already familiar with the show/movie you can pay attention to the audio since you already have an idea what their saying.
This will help to reinforce certain statements into your memory.
4. Watch in your target language & target language subtitles
Ok its time for full immersion.
You know the show you seen it in your native language with spanish subs, then in spanish with native subs.
It’s now time for full spanish, audio and subtitles.
Again I warn you they may not match at times, but the goal is to familiarizing yourself with the sounds and the words they would use in spanish.
Doing this you are learning listening and reading skills which helps to build connections in the brain when trying to remember something.
5. Watch without subtitles
Last but not least take it to the next level and remove the subtitles.
You are now fully engaging your listening and comprehension skills to understand the show in context.
Again context is one of the best ways to learn something and watching while actively listening you can see expressions and gestures the characters act and then associate these with specific phrases.
This strengthens the connections to make them stick.
6. Repeat
Ok so I said that number 5 was the last but this step is probably the most important.
It is said that repetition is the mother of all skill.
I believe this is truly how kids learn and they copy and repeat what they hear and overtime they can speak and do things as us adults.
Therefore continue to watch this show various times until it becomes easier to watch.
The benefit of doing this is everytime you watch and listen you are going to find more details that you missed before.
Has that ever happened to you when you watched an old movie you’ve seen before?
Because you know the movie, and seen it before, its like your brain is now looking for new details and catches something new.
For example, a character foreshadows a plot twist in the beginning but you didn’t realize because you had no idea what it meant.
It happens all the time everytime we rewatch something.
So rewatch your series, study and learn until it’s as you’ve mastered the show.
Can I Learn Spanish By Myself?
Here is a question many new learners probably ask themselves when taking on this challenge of learning a new language.
To answer this question in short…
Yes.
In fact, if you really want to learn spanish you have to take it into your hands.
A class, a program or an app is not going to take you to level that you desire.
The amount of time and effort that you put into learning will produce the results that you are looking for.
These programs can help but if you want to learn spanish by yourself it is absolutely possible and your can do it from the comfort of your home.
In fact if you want to get started check out our post on how to start learning a language.
It’s an introduction to language learning but we think it will help give you a good starting point.
To learn spanish on your you don’t need expensive programs, just a few good resources and most importantly some people to talk to.
If you would like a good place to find other native Spanish speakers to practice and share knowledge HelloTalk is an excellent place to meet new friends and learn together.
That is how we really practice what we were learning and people are really nice to help you learn when you make mistakes.
Its a pretty cool community.
However, to continue with the idea of how to use Netflix to learn Spanish then check out our post on the 21 Netflix shows to learn spanish.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Now you know how to use Netflix to the advantage of your language learning.
Watching series and movies are fun and why not take advantage of the tools we have in front of us and develop a life skill.
I know we all watch movies and have heard of using movies and shows to learn a language, but I believe there are techniques we can use to accomplish our goals effectively.
So the next time you turn on Netflix to watch your favorite series think about how watching it various times can really help you learn Spanish.
And remember to enjoy your journey of language learning because the journey of a thousand steps begins with the first.
So don’t get overwhelmed but know it takes time and your efforts will not be in vain.
We would love to your hear thoughts in the comments and share this with someone if you found it helpful.
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