Learn Languages with Netflix

                         written by 10726 Hong Se Eun

 

Shadowing: learning languages through the screen is already a world-widely known way. This is one of the most effective ways to learn languages. Now, as streaming services such as Netflix are trending, we have more options to choose from, since the movies we see are not just limited to the theatre. Some people have learned a lot about certain countries’ languages and cultures through TV dramas as well. Here are the top three TV shows that were most worthy of watching in order to learn languages.

      

1. Emily in Paris (difficulty level  ⅖)

The drama is about an American woman by the name of Emily who goes to Paris for her career and experiences all sorts of things. This show mainly focuses on the cultural differences between the U.S. and France. So Sawlians can catch both birds with one stone.

The drama led the audience to learn basic French along with Emily. Also, most of the actors are French. So, the pace they talk is relatively slow and the words they describe are not the hardest. This drama is highly recommended if you want to enjoy the exotic beauty of France and learn the language.

 

2. 致我们单纯的小美好 (difficulty level ⅗)

This drama is about a love and friendship story of two teenagers and how they grow up as true adults. This drama shows the life of Chinese adolescents. Watching teenagers using real life-slang is also an attractive part of the show. If you were ever interested in learning Chinese or Chinese culture, you’ll find yourself falling into this drama.

There is something about the atmosphere of this drama that causes nostalgia. There are many factors to relate to since they are high schoolers just like us. The words and phrases they are using are not the easiest for the starters, but the overall diction and pace of the actors are very good.

 

3. Gilmore Girls (difficulty ⅘)

Gilmore Girls is composed of seven seasons, with each season containing about 21 episodes. This show is about life in general, mainly focusing on the relationship between mothers and daughters. Seven seasons, I know it’s a long way to go. But you’ll not regret watching it; you will probably binge this in two weeks.

This drama series really shows the cultures of the U.S in the early 2000s with a revival in 2016. Also, so many real-life expressions and idiomatic expressions just blow people’s minds. This show is not recommended to those who are not so familiar with English because the expressions they are using are not quite easy.

Personally, I had a hard time understanding their 2000s old-fashioned jokes and humor in Gilmore Girls since I was not part of that particular generation. There were some exceptional parts that were hard to get in the Korean state of mind. However, for those who are fluent in English and have an interest in American culture, I would recommend this 10 out of 10.

These three TV series recommendations are for those interested in learning languages. They are binge-worthy.