Should You Use Subtitles When Learning a Language?

When you first learned how to ride a bike, you needed training wheels to get used to the motion. Now the question is, should you use subtitles (training wheels) when learning a language? 

Listening and Reading

The main areas of language comprehension are reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Watching movies and shows exercises two of these skills simultaneously. Listening to the language and reading the subtitles can improve phonetic skills. When you're watching a show, the speakers use a natural pace and may slur their words. It's hard at first to get used to the speeds and indistinguishable sounds. But this is a much better way to train your ears. 

Increase Vocabulary

If you try to watch something without subtitles, you're wasting your time. It's as simple as that. You'll hear a bunch of words but have no clue what they mean. Building your vocabulary is a crucial part of language learning. Using subtitles when you're watching a show is an excellent way to increase vocabulary. Best of all, you'll be exposed to phrases and idioms that are useful for everyday conversation. 

Language Patterns

We already know that shows and movies use language at an idiomatic level. They are made to appeal to native speakers. The great thing about using subtitles is that you can visually see and hear how the language is used casually. Words that you learned in a textbook don't always correspond to the vocabulary used in everyday conversation. In addition to that, subtitles can improve your grammar skills. Over time, you will recognize verb tenses and sentence structure.

Speaking

Podcasts, textbooks, and audio-courses are good to use in your study routine. The issue here is that they simplify a language by using an unnatural pace. You end up adjusting your ears to that speed isn't as useful in real-life. Think about it, when you use your native language, do you speak clearly and at a moderate pace all the time? The answer is no. That is why watching TV shows, movies, or Youtube videos is one of the best ways to immerse yourself. 

I know that watching videos with subtitles is more geared towards reading and listening comprehension skills. Interestingly enough, it can also improve your speaking skills. If you stick to the typical learning materials, you might end up talking like a CD. Movies and shows can improve the way you talk because you can learn to mimic the accent and natural speed early on. 

Visuals

Here's another way that using subtitles can help you make a connection between spoken and written language. It's always recommended that you use flashcards. When you see a picture and connect it with a word, you are more likely to retain it long-term. It works the same way with watching something. You see the word being used in the subtitle and make the connection with whatever you are watching. This is an effective way to speed up the learning process.

Can subtitles help you learn a language? Yes, they are an absolute must.

You don't want to waste your time hearing words that you don't understand. Subtitles help you connect what you are seeing and hearing. Starting your language learning with subtitles can put you on a faster path towards fluency.