Films and series as learning tools

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

Some barriers that obstruct understanding

As I often say, if learning a language were like constructing a high-rise building, effortlessly understanding movies and series would be the top floor. Admittedly, reaching that level takes time and dedication.

That said, nothing can stop you from starting now, no matter your current level—so long as you’re willing to embrace a certain amount of confusion and gaps in understanding while adding a dash of imagination to your viewing experience. Just remember: if your level is still low, don’t be too hard on yourself.

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Films and Series as learning tools (Part 2 – Actionable ideas – Play with the use of subtitles)

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

Image result for subtitles?

Subtitles, yes or no? Spanish or English?

As a rule of thumb, my advice is: be open to all different approaches and see what works best for you. Adopt a method of watching that aligns with the time you have, the effort you are willing to put in, the kind of movie in question and other factors.

Let’s consider some of the pros and cons in each case.

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A proactive approach to listening to the news

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

In other words, how to transition from Input to Input-Output

Having the radio on in the background can certainly help enrich your passive vocabulary acquisition, but taking a more active role is what will truly make the difference- active rather than passive listening. And as a result, your speaking will get better.

In this post, I will outline three practical methods to help you achieve this:

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Like it or not, small talk is on the menu

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

 

Escucha, Reunión Informal, Chat, Oficina, Personas

Small talk can be awkward and often feels pointless, and yet it’s a part of our everyday lives, no matter what language we speak. At first glance, it seems logical to assume that if you’ve mastered the art of small talk in your native language, transferring those skills to English conversations would be straightforward. However, that’s not always the case.

This could be a significant concern for business English learners, whose ability to engage in small talk is often key to making the right connections when networking. For travellers, small talk can lead to more enriching experiences, opening doors to new friendships and unexpected opportunities during their trips.

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The podcast revolution

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

 

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The proliferation of digital audio systems has greatly enriched the world of communication. Podcasts provide learners with extensive, engaging material at no cost. In this blog post, I’ll share links to some high-quality English learning podcasts. As a rule of thumb, the higher the level, the broader the range of content. However, I’ve done my best to cater for all levels.

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Approach listening with a positive attitude

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

Free Woman Mobile Phone photo and picture

“The harder the climb the sweeter the view.”

For some students, listening is unquestionably one of the hardest skills. Let’s analyse how to change that and have a better experience.

Becoming overwhelmed because your understanding is poor might take you down a road of negativity and make you shut down which will, in turn, prevent you from grasping at least general ideas.

Instead of being put off by it, make it one of your main battles to fight.

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Use translation as a learning technique

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

Translate, Keyboard, Internet, Button, Languages

Translation, like writing, creates less pressure than speaking. Since no one is watching, there’s room to hesitate or pause as you search for the perfect word to convey your exact meaning, even if it doesn’t immediately spring to mind. For all of these reasons and more, translation can be an effective way to learn in a stress-free environment.

Naturally, you may be wondering who will revise your text. The good news is that there is a simple “DIY” technique.

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Self-motivation

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Overall, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by students who are passionate about English and show genuine interest and appreciation for the language.”

That said, learning a language is more like running a marathon than a sprint. Over the years, I’ve heard various complaints from students, such as I feel stuck,’ ‘I’ve been studying English my whole life. Yet, my level is still intermediate,’ ‘I keep making the same mistakes,’ ‘Despite all my efforts, when I visit English-speaking countries, I struggle to understand people,’ or ‘Phrasal verbs are impossible to learn.’ And the list goes on.”

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