Since we were kids, watching TV has been a big part of our lives. We used to wait for our favorite shows to air before and after going to school and we even fought with our siblings for the remote control. While we watch TV mainly for entertainment purposes, it can also be a way to learn new things, especially when it comes to language. Before, we were limited to traditional cable or satellite TV, but now, we all have these streaming services that give us access to many shows and movies from all over the world. That’s why it’s one of the smartest ways to improve your vocabulary.
No matter the language you’re trying to study or learn, English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, or even simply mastering an accent of a specific region, streaming services can help you with that. Here are five ways streaming services can improve your vocabulary:
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It offers a lot of foreign-language content.
For someone who loves learning different languages or is simply interested in other cultures, this is a big advantage. As stated, streaming platforms offer a massive library of shows and movies in different languages. You’re not limited to just subtitles or dubs. You will literally hear how native speakers talk and how they use certain words or phrases in everyday conversations.
So for example, if you’re watching a Spanish TV show on Dish TV, you’re getting exposed to the natural way Spanish is spoken. Even though you’re just watching a show, you’re learning something.
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Most movies and TV shows have subtitles.
Another good thing about streaming services is that subtitles are always often available. For those who are trying to improve their vocabulary in a specific language, it would be easier to follow and understand the dialogue when you can read the words while hearing them spoken. A big percentage of the population also prefers seeing the text on screen because it helps them stay focused and fully grasp what’s being said—especially when the dialogue is fast or the accents are hard to understand.
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You can repeat the content all over again for better information retention.
Since streaming services allow you to watch shows and movies anytime, you can replay scenes or entire episodes as much as you want. This is a huge advantage when trying to learn and remember new words. The more often you hear a word or phrase used in different situations, the easier it becomes to understand and use it naturally like a native. Repetition helps the brain store information in long-term memory, which is why hearing the same vocabulary over and over again in context when TV streaming is so effective.
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You can pause and play as needed.
Every individual has their own pace when learning new vocabulary, and that’s one of the biggest benefits of streaming services. You can pause the movie or TV show at any time to take notes or look up words you don’t understand. This will make your learning process more efficient and productive because you are following a pace you’re comfortable with.
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You can pick shows based on topics you like.
We all have our own preferences when it comes to the content we watch. Some shows and movies connect to us better than others, and that’s an important factor that many people overlook. If you are watching content just for the sake of watching, you won’t be able to absorb as much information or vocabulary because your attention won’t be fully engaged. However, when you choose shows or movies that align with what you like, you’re much more likely to stay focused and motivated.
The Bottom Line
If you have been planning to use your streaming services to improve your vocabulary, no matter which language, we say go for it. It’s a genius idea that more people should do because it’s cost-efficient and it provides you with a more entertaining way of learning compared to traditional methods.
