International Television Day, also known as World Television Day, is celebrated on November 21st. It was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1996 to acknowledge the increasing impact television has on decision-making by bringing world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security, and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues.
There are some fun ways to celebrate it and of course, it’s a great tool to learn English from and practice especially if you are heading to EC for an intensive General English course. Gather friends or family to watch a series of TV shows that have had a cultural impact or that highlight significant social issues and discuss them….in English of course.
Using TV as a tool to learn English can be both effective and enjoyable. Here’s how it can be used to enhance language learning:
Listening Skills: TV shows and movies can improve your listening skills. You hear natural dialogue and can become accustomed to various accents, speeds of speech, and colloquial language.
Vocabulary Building: They introduce new vocabulary in context, which can help with retention and understanding of usage.
Cultural Context: TV shows and movies often reflect cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and humour, providing learners with contextual cues.
Pronunciation Practice: Listening to native speakers can help learners improve their pronunciation and intonation.
Visual Learning: Visual cues in shows and movies can aid in understanding and can help you to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Language Structure: Exposure to correct grammatical structures in a natural setting reinforces proper usage.
Engagement: Interesting content can keep learners engaged and motivated to continue learning.
As for the best TV shows or movies for learning English, it often depends on your language level and interests:
Beginners might benefit from children’s shows or programs specifically designed for language learning, as they tend to use simple language and speak more slowly.
Intermediate learners could try popular sitcoms like “Friends,” “The Office,” or “The Big Bang Theory,” which use everyday language.
Advanced learners might enjoy dramas like “The Crown,” which can introduce more complex language and historical vocabulary, or “Sherlock,” for British English and more intricate dialogue.
It’s also beneficial to watch with subtitles in English at first, then challenge yourself by turning them off as you become more comfortable. Keep a notebook handy to jot down new words and phrases, and try to use them in your own conversations to reinforce learning.