You may well be wondering if you read that right. But you did! It is not only entirely possible to pick up French simply by watching subtitled French movies and tv, but an increasing amount of learners are doing this every day.
Read on for more information and to find out how this easy technique works, why it’s so effective, and how you can get started with it today!
Ways to Learn French
If you’ve decided to learn French, then you might be trying to settle on the best way to do so. There are the traditional study routes, such as joining an online or in-person course (or one that fuses the two), but these may not be the most suitable option for you: perhaps your work or home commitments would make carving out a designated amount of study hours a day difficult. If this is the case, then the immersive learning technique could be perfect for you: this can run alongside other types of study or can be effectively used as a stand-alone method to learn French fast.
The idea behind immersive learning techniques is to surround yourself with the target language in your everyday life so that you get used to hearing, speaking, reading, and listening to it naturally and frequently. This could take the form of, for example, listening to French music, reading books or newspapers in French, browsing French news websites, or watching subtitled French tv shows and movies. Research consistently shows that immersive learning is one of the most effective ways to gain fluency in a new language.
Immersive techniques mean that staying motivated isn’t a problem, as they’re both engaging and entertaining; you will probably find that, very quickly, you forget that you’re learning at all and will be surprised at just how quickly you become confident using the new language.
How Watching French Movies Can Help You Learn
Regularly watching subtitled French movies (every day, if possible, to see fast results) is a great way to learn French on your own – not to mention that it must be the most enjoyable and relaxed way in the world to gain proficiency!
A recent study concluded that a group of learners who were asked to watch subtitled tv in the target language for a set period saw significant increases in their acquired vocab and phrases and confidence in using the language at the culmination of the trial.
Watching French movies will not only give you the chance to be immersed in the language, helping you to pick up both its tone and flow as well as new words and phrases but also means you’ll encounter various regional French dialects, which could be particularly important if you’re planning on traveling to a French-speaking country or are learning the language for your career.
It’s also a great way to hear plenty of ‘everyday’ discussions and phrases and to encounter lots of fun French slang, colorful language, and curse words along the way!
How To Get Started
It’s easy to begin learning French by watching French movies! Simply sign up to a platform of your choice that offers a library of films in a variety of genres, select your first movie, settle down, relax, and enjoy. Some platforms will categorize the films on offer so that you can easily find those that are most suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners.
At first, it’s a good idea to spend some time simply listening to the language without trying to follow the subtitles or make sense of the scene; just get a feel for the language: its tone, harmony, and flow.
When you’re ready, use the subtitles to follow what’s happening; you could alternate having the subtitles on and off. Don’t worry or panic if you can’t understand much of what’s happening at first; just try to get a gist of the dialogue and actions, and replay any scenes you wish, and however many times you need to if this would help.
As you become more proficient and more confident and comfortable with the new language, you may find it helpful to switch the subtitles to French and, eventually, to turn them off altogether. Some people find that having a notebook and pen to hand while watching is really useful, to jot down any new words or phrases to check the meanings later. This is also a good way to help you remember new vocab or to detail any conversational tidbits that take your fancy!
Fabulous French Cinema
Many people point to French cinema as being one of the best in the world. There are many reasons for this, not least of which is the beautiful locations used in many French films: it’s not just Paris, either, the country offers sublime Alpine backdrops, the stunning vistas of the French Riviera, and miles of gorgeous coastline – to mention just a few!
The cult stars of French cinema have helped elevate it to prominence, too: the likes of Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Marion Cotillard have all lit up the big screen in France, delighting audiences and critics alike.
French cinema also offers an often unique, quirky aesthetic, making it immediately recognizable worldwide, and it has a reputation for innovative filmmaking and artistry. So, to conclude, learning the language by watching French movies is a wonderful way to immerse yourself both with the words and phrases of the country and its exceptional cinema.
The Benefits Of Learning French
Learning French is a fantastic idea for many reasons, and offers lots of benefits – some of which may surprise you! If you want to learn to improve your career prospects, then this is a good call: with businesses increasingly operating on a global stage, having another language string to your bow will always be an impressive thing to have on your resume.
Perhaps you’re planning on traveling to a French speaking-country; knowing the local language will enhance your experiences exponentially, allowing you to navigate every element of your travel, such as getting about and accommodation, more smoothly. You’ll find yourself better able to immerse yourself in the culture, too, and have the opportunity to make new friendships and connections and find sights that are off the standard tourist trail.
Finally, learning a new language has been proven to promote good brain health – scientific studies have shown a consistent link between bilingualism and a slowing of age-related cognitive degeneration. Plus, once you’ve learned one new language, learning another is relatively easy, so picking up French could be just the beginning of your language journey!
