Learn a language watching foreign films: with subtitles or without subtitles?

By Kathryn Stride on October 19, 2013 12:33

This is down to personal preference but anyway I would like to share with all of you a few things that can help you to decide.

First of all, when thinking about including subtitles in a film or series, the subtitles should be in the same language as the dialogue.

Unless a film is predominantly dialogue-driven, you should be able to enjoy it just watching, even if you don't understand every last word the characters are saying.

Apparently watching a foreign film with subtitles is not always very helpful, because reading and listening constitutes two very different brain functions which when attempted simultaneously, tend to cancel each other out. When you watch a film with subtitles, after a while you stop listening to the film and instead naturally prefer to follow the text.

Another reason why we shouldn't put subtitles in is because we get a wrong perception of the real world when using the language. For example in a real-life situation, if you visit England you are not going to find subtitles in your communication there. Subtitles won’t be there to help in you in a real scenario.

On the other side, subtitles can help more in learning to write the language. Subtitling can improve literacy and help same language learning via SLS (Same Language Subtitling).

Even You Tube encourages learning English through music with its subtitled videos (MusicESL).

Note we are more likely to remember something if we see the word written down (so we can visualise it) than if someone just tells us the word. The association with a written word helps us to remember and learn better than only by listening.

As you can see there are different theories about whether or not using subtitles is useful or not, perhaps it is best to try both and see which you find most useful!

Now it’s your choice!

Sources: "English Attack!" and "I heart subtitles"

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Kathryn Stride

Language learning begins in the utero!!

By Kathryn Stride on January 25, 2013 17:15

Wow! We know that it is easier to learn and pick up languages when you are younger, but we didn't realise how young!

language learning begins in the utero An interesting study has shown that language learning actually begins in the utero, as newborn babies just hours old show marked interest in their mother tongue.

Research led by Christine Moon, a professor of psychology at Pacific Lutheran University said "We have known for over 30 years that we begin learning prenatally about voices by listening to the sound of our mother talking,". "This is the first study that shows we learn about the particular speech sounds of our mother's language before we are born".

This is fascinating and just highlights the importance and effects of talking to babies in both their mother tongue and if possible in a second language to give them an even greater headstart in life!

This article and information was sourced from: Sciencedaily

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Kathryn Stride

Have you found your language exchange?

By Kathryn Stride on November 11, 2012 17:27

If you are already a member of LanguageLinker, don’t just settle after creating your profile and wait for other users to contact you. There are many people waiting for YOUR request to exchange languages.

All members of LanguageLinker, are here to learn and practice languages, so why not try to find another or a new language partner today!

Everyone has different goals when practicing languages perhaps they are wanting to improve in conversation, pronunciation or, grammar. Hence everyone’s preference for a language exchange may vary (online live messages, email, video chat, face to face conversation, correspondence by letter "snail mail", etc).

It’s also important to remember we are not equal when it comes to be consistent in responding to messages, letters or going to face to face meetings. But none of this happens, unless we begin to get to know and communicate with others and then we will find the most appropriate language exchanges for our needs.

Take the initiative and contact others now. Break the ice!

Every day new members are joining LanguageLinker and therefore there are always new users with different native languages to contact, and all of them ready and willing to practice! Make your new friends and see your language skills greatly improve.

We wish you much success with your language exchanges!

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