![How to Learn a Language with Netflix [2024 Guide]](/blog/content/images/size/w1200/2023/05/Netflix-AD.jpg)
Who wouldn't want to pick up a new language effortlessly while lounging on the couch and indulging in the latest captivating series on Netflix?
Embark on an exciting language-learning journey with subtitles from TV and movies, breaking free from the monotony of traditional textbooks and lessons. Discover a dynamic approach that accommodates even the busiest schedules, offering a flexible and engaging way to enhance your language skills.
Enter Netflix, the popular streaming platform that offers a wide range of TV shows and movies in multiple languages. Using Netflix to learn a new language is a fun and effective way to improve your language skills and immerse yourself in the culture of the target language.
In this exploration, we'll delve into leveraging Netflix as a language-learning resource and share strategies for optimizing its effectiveness. Lingopie, a language-learning streaming platform, has introduced a browser extension that seamlessly combines the best of both worlds: Lingopie's exceptional language learning tools and the captivating international TV shows exclusive to Netflix.
Choose the Right Netflix Show
Choosing the right show is crucial when it comes to language learning with Netflix. It's important that language learners select a show that not only interests them but is also appropriate for their language level. A show that is too difficult can be discouraging, while a show that is too easy may not provide enough challenge.
When selecting a foreign language show for your language learning efforts, consider the language difficulty level. If you're a beginner, start with a show that has simpler vocabulary and sentence structures. If you're more advanced, challenge yourself with a show that has more complex dialogue.
Familiarity with the show can also be helpful. If you're already familiar with the show in your native language, it may be easier to follow the plot and understand the context in the target language.
Additionally, check the subtitles and audio options available for the show. Target language subtitles can help you follow the dialogue and understand new vocab, while audio in the target language can improve your listening comprehension.
You can often choose between human translation (which gives you a figurative translation and helps with idioms and metaphors) and machine translation (which provides a word-for-word literal translation).
If you require an audio description when watching TV, you will need to make sure the audio tracks available are in the language you need.
For language learning, we recommend popular TV shows on Netflix such as "La Casa de Papel" (Spanish drama), "Dark" (German show), and "Lupin" (French TV series). These shows are engaging, offer a range of language levels, and have multiple audio and subtitle options.
Lingopie carefully curates the finest shows on Netflix tailored to various language learner proficiency levels, ensuring users have a diverse and engaging selection to explore. Explore our guides designed to help you study your target language effectively using Netflix and Lingopie.
Milena Quaresma
Milena Quaresma
Active Learning While Watching Netflix
Active learning involves actively engaging with the material you are trying to learn, rather than just passively absorbing it. When it comes to language learning with Netflix, active learning techniques can help you retain new vocabulary and improve your listening comprehension skills.
One technique for active learning with Netflix is to repeat dialogues and scenes. Pause the show after a scene or dialogue and try to repeat it aloud in the target language. This can help improve your pronunciation and listening skills. With Lingopie you can choose the audio track to run much slower than normal in order not to miss any words.
Another technique is to write down new vocab as you watch movies and TV series. This will not only help you remember the new words but also reinforce their meaning in context.
Additionally, summarizing and retelling the plot in the target language can help you practice sentence structure and grammar while also improving your listening comprehension skills.
Active learning with Netflix can improve language skills as you will have better retention of new vocab, improved pronunciation, and increased comprehension of natural language structures. By actively engaging with the material, you are more likely to internalize the language and use it in context.
Lingopie's language learning tools save the words you select from the interactive subtitle track, generating personalized flashcards for your practice. Additionally, our advanced AI learning features design interactive exercises, elevating your language learning experience to new heights.
Passive Learning While Watching Netflix
Passive learning involves learning through exposure to the target language without actively engaging with the material. While not as effective as active learning, passive learning can still be a helpful tool for improving your language skills.
One technique for passive learning with Netflix is to watch with subtitles in the target language or with double subtitles. On the subtitles menu, you may be able to select English subtitles and target language subtitles. So, you can view subtitle translations alongside the foreign words.
As you read subtitles, you begin to associate the spoken language with its written form and pick up new vocabulary. Just try not to rely too much on the English subtitles, as this can prevent you from really listening to foreign languages.
Another technique for passive learning is to watch Netflix with the audio in your target language. This can help you improve your listening comprehension skills and get used to the sound and rhythm of the language.
You can watch dubbed movies for exposure to different languages. However, most language learners agree it is often best to watch foreign language movies with the original audio. So, look out for original language movies in your target language.
Using language learning apps in conjunction with Netflix is another way to passively learn a language. Apps can reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts while you watch your favorite shows. Most people who are learning foreign languages at home will use a language app at some point.
Passive learning with Netflix can improve language skills as you develop better comprehension of the target language, improved pronunciation, and exposure to natural language structures. While not as effective as active learning, passive learning can still be a helpful tool for language acquisition.
Tips for Using Netflix for Language Learning
To maximize your language learning with Netflix, it's important to combine active and passive learning techniques. Try watching with subtitles and audio descriptions in the target language while also actively engaging with the material through techniques like repeating dialogues and writing down new vocab.
Setting language learning goals can also help you stay motivated and focused. Determine what you want to achieve in terms of language proficiency and create a plan to achieve those goals. For example, you might aim to watch one episode of a show each week and practice active learning techniques while doing so.
It's also important to manage your time spent on Netflix for language learning. While watching movies and TV shows can be a fun and effective way to learn a language, it's important not to overdo it. Set a limit on the amount of time you spend on Netflix each day or week and stick to it.
Finally, creating a language learning plan with Netflix can help you stay organized and focused. Consider which shows you want to watch and in what order, as well as which active and passive learning techniques you want to use. Keep track of your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
By combining active and passive learning techniques, setting goals, managing your time, and creating a plan, you can make the most of your language learning with Netflix.
Milena Quaresma
Milena Quaresma
Other Language Learning Techniques
Finally, it is a great idea to use Netflix for language learning in conjunction with other foreign language learning tools. This is the fastest and most efficient way to develop your new language.
You can improve your reading skills by reading literature related to the shows you are watching. For instance, if you are watching a Spanish-language show set in Argentina, you could find a novel set in Latin America that relates to the themes of the show.
You can also set your profile language on your various social media platforms to your target language, as well as the language setting on your mobile phone. This is a great way to absorb written words and immerse yourself in the language.
If you are feeling creative, you can also write summaries or online reviews of all the titles you have watched in your target language. Writing and expressing your thoughts in a different language has many cognitive benefits.
If you are an English speaker, try to avoid too much English dialogue around the shows. Instead, focus on expressing your thoughts purely in the target language. Learning languages is a process that takes some commitment and dedication.
Whenever you can, try to speak with native speakers of your second language. Everything from their choice of slang words to their facial expressions and body language will inform your learning.
Finally, the laddering technique is when you are learning two languages or more at the same time. You use the other languages you are learning to help you learn a selected language.
So, if you are learning French, Italian, and Spanish, but are advanced in French, intermediate Italian, and a beginner in Spanish, you can translate a few words of your new Spanish-language vocabulary into Italian, then the Italian into French to ladder the languages, rather than always going back to English.
When using these diverse methods alongside Netflix for language learning, your Netflix account becomes a door of opportunity for a bright multilingual future. If you do not want all of your suggestions on Netflix to be in a different language, you can create a separate profile specifically to use when you want to learn languages.
FAQs Related to Language Learning with Netflix
Now, that we have discussed in detail how to learn a language with Netflix, let's take a look at some frequently asked questions about language learning with Netflix.
What is the 'Lingopie Subtitles for Netflix Chrome extension'?
Lingopie Subtitles for Netflix is a Google Chrome extension included in the Lingopie's subscription. To get started with Lingopie, simply download the Lingopie extension and pin it to your browser for easy access. Then, select a video from Lingopie's curated Netflix catalog and log in with your Lingopie account to connect it with the extension. Once you're connected, you're ready to start learning!
As you watch your show, every word you click on will be saved to your Lingopie.com profile, so you can review it later with Lingopie's flashcards and engaging games.
How can language learners use Netflix for language learning?
Language learners can use Netflix for language learning actively or passively. As you watch various Netflix originals in your preferred language, you'll absorb the new words and phrases you hear or actively write them down and repeat them aloud.
Use the search bar to explore the wealth of foreign-language content made available by your Netflix account.
Can I still learn my target language if I use native language subtitles?
Yes, you can still learn your target language if you use subtitles in your native language. If you watch dubbed or original language content in a foreign language with subtitles in your native language, you will still absorb the spoken word.
Similarly, you can watch content in your native language with subtitles in your target language. You can mix and match subs and dubs however you like, although you will learn the fastest with target language audio and subtitles.
How often should I watch Netflix in a foreign language?
You should aim to watch Netflix in your target language at least for thirty minutes every day. This high-quality foreign language exposure will be hugely beneficial. With so many Netflix titles in different languages, your Netflix library is a treasure trove of useful learning potential. Make sure to use it daily.
Summing Up: How to Learn a Language Using Netflix
As you can see, you can use Netflix for language learning in several ways. Whether you choose to just watch passively or learn a foreign language actively, the streaming service provides extra language practice and valuable exposure.
Remember to try out the Netflix for language learning Google Chrome browser extension which will help you to navigate Netflix as a language learner.
Then you can enjoy your foreign-language movie or TV show with dual subtitles and other interactive features.
You can also head over to Lingopie's streaming service to enjoy similar features and different TV series in several languages. If your chosen language is not on Lingopie, you've still got Netflix for language learning.
