Does Watching Spanish TV Help You Learn Spanish?
Spanish is still the second most spoken language in the world, and being able to know how to speak it is a great achievement. But beyond textbooks and classroom learning, many learners are now taking advantage of TV content to improve their skills regardless of the language they’re trying to learn. Spanish TV, in particular, has a lot to offer for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.
So, does watching Spanish TV help you learn Spanish? Definitely. There are several ways Spanish TV can help you learn and improve your skills. However, if you’re considering learning this beautiful language through Spanish TV, it’s best to have a dedicated Spanish TV platform like Go Latino TV to maximize your learning experience.
What You Need to Know Before Watching Spanish TV for Language Learning
While watching TV to learn a new language might look simple at first, there’s a lot of things that you must take into consideration so that you can effectively learn while enjoying the variety of content they actually offer. Here’s what you need to know:
Content Appropriateness Is Important
Before you start binge-watching Spanish TV shows, you have to understand that there are appropriate types of content for every level of learning. While telenovelas and sitcoms may be entertaining, they may not always provide the most conducive learning environment, especially for beginners.
That’s why you must opt for programs that are specifically designed for language learners, such as educational documentaries, language learning series, or news broadcasts with clear, articulate speech.
2. Consider Your Learning Style and Preferences
When selecting Spanish TV content for language learning purposes, it's crucial to consider your individual learning style and preferences. Are you someone who learns best through visual aids and immersive experiences? Or do you prefer structured lessons with clear explanations and exercises?
Adjusting your viewing choices to align with your preferred learning style can significantly improve your engagement and retention of language concepts while watching. Aside from TV shows, you can also watch movies with subtitles if you’re still in the early days of learning. Most streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video have a lot of Spanish content in their library.
3. Additional Resources Are Essential
Even though Spanish TV can significantly help you learn Spanish, you cannot entirely rely on it. You will need to supplement your TV viewing with additional resources, such as language apps, online courses, reading materials, speaking practice, and tutoring. These additional resources provide a well-rounded approach to language learning and address various language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language apps like Duolingo can help you improve your skills overall but most apps will require you a reliable internet connection. If you don’t have a decent connection at home, it may be time to look into better internet plans.
4. Connect with Native Speakers
If you have a friend or a relative who knows how to speak fluent Spanish, it’s a smart idea to reach out to them and communicate with them regularly. If you don’t have one, that’s fine. There are many online apps or platforms out there that could connect you to native speakers from different parts of the world. By doing this, you can practice your Spanish conversation skills in a real-life context, correct your mistakes, and learn firsthand from these people.
5. A Slow Progress Is Still a Progress
Learning a language takes a lot of time. It will be frustrating, you might lose motivation at some point, you will have a love-hate relationship with learning Spanish. However, this process will be worth it in the end, when you can confidently speak and understand Spanish and even have a conversation with native speakers without a sweat.
We recommend you to find ways to make learning fun and enjoyable and surround yourself with supportive peers, language partners, or mentors who can encourage you and hold you accountable for your progress. Remember that language learning is a marathon, not a sprint, so stay committed and persevere through challenges.
Final Thoughts
Watching Spanish TV can help you learn Spanish in a fun and interactive way. However, you cannot solely rely on it in mastering this language. Of course, once you get better at it, every struggle, every frustration, and every moment of confusion will all be worth it. Don’t lose that fire and motivation for learning a new language. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun!
