Sign up
Log in
Should You Use Subtitles When Learning a Language?

Should You Use Subtitles When Learning a Language?

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/16/2021
3 minute read

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. 

English Tutors
English Tutors
Spanish Tutors
Spanish Tutors
German Tutors
German Tutors
See More Tutors

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. 

Why should I use subtitles to learn a new languages?

You'll improve your listening and reading skills, expand your vocabulary, learn new language patterns, improve your speaking skills

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.

Learn Any Language Faster with your Personal Tutor

Get Started

Refresh Your Memory: 7 Effective Memorization Techniques For Language Learning

What is the most powerful tool for learning a foreign language? It is our memory.

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/4/2021
6 minute read

20 Endangered Languages in Europe: Your Complete Guide

February 21st was an International mother language day.

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/3/2021
8 minute read

European Time Format: How to Write Time in Europe?

You might be doing business with a European and you want to schedule an online meeting, but have no idea how to tell time in a way both of you underst

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/3/2021
3 minute read

30 Most Common British Idioms & Phrases

How many British idioms do you know? How many of them do you use? Idioms are an important part of the language.

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/2/2021
6 minute read

31 Ways to Say Sorry In Different Languages

While many poets and songwriters may say that “sorry” is the hardest word to say, learning how to say sorry in different languages is impo

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/2/2021
8 minute read

How to Avoid Forgetting a Language: 8 Proven Tactics

Which methods do you use to learn a language? Have you tried learning a language in some unexpected ways?

justlearnj
Justlearn
3/2/2021
6 minute read

Just Share Justlearn with Friends ♥

English Tutors
English Tutors
Spanish Tutors
Spanish Tutors
German Tutors
German Tutors
  1. You are here:
  2. Home
  3. Blog
  4. Should You Use Subtitles When Learning a Language?
  • Justlearn

  • About
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Teach
  • Languages

  • English Tutors
  • Spanish Tutors
  • French Tutors
  • German Tutors
  • All Tutors
  • Learn

  • Learn English
  • Learn Spanish
  • Learn French
  • Learn German
  • Learn Italian
  • Resources

  • Watch Video
  • Upload Video
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

"Just bring your friends to Justlearn and let's create the world's largest social network."

Philip Rossen, CEO & Founder

© 2021 JustlearnSupportPrivacyTermsSitemaps

Cross
justlearn
Notification
Message:
message