Studying with dramas/T.V shows/films!

Lots of students tell me they lack the motivation to study by themselves. As a language learner myself, I understand this problem! I used to think that to study a language properly, I needed to sit down with a textbook, and do some 'serious study'. However, now I don't think this is always necessary.

I believe that studying should be something fun, it doesn't have to mean sitting down with a textbook as though you're in school. Nowadays, I love studying through watching dramas, T.V shows or films. I study Chinese, Japanese and French. So for example, I watch a Chinese drama, with Chinese subtitles. Or, I watch one of my favourite English T.V shows - Downton Abbey - with Chinese subtitles. This way, studying suddenly becomes really fun! I can easily spend hours reading the subtitles, without getting bored.

It might feel like this isn't studying, this is just relaxing and watching TV! But actually, I think you can learn a lot from this method, perhaps even more than sitting with a textbook. If I watch a drama in Chinese, I am practising my listening skills, learning vocabulary and grammar. By reading the subtitles, I am also improving my reading speed, because you are forced to read quickly to keep up with the speed of the drama! You can learn a lot of natural and useful phrases for daily life. Even though I watch Downton Abbey with English audio, I feel I am practising a lot of Chinese reading by reading the subtitles, and learning lots of vocabulary. To remember vocabulary, you can keep a notebook nearby while you are watching, and quickly write down any useful words.

So, the next time you feel like you don't want to study, try just watching a fun T.V show or film in your target language. If you lack time, you can even watch a short YouTube video. If your level is advanced, I recommend having the audio and subtitles in your target language. If your level isn't high enough, I recommend having the audio in your first language and subtitles in your target language. This way, you can read while you listen. However, everyone has different preferences!

I hope this helps with your language study, and ask me if you would like to discuss any more tips for keeping up motivation to study a language. :)