The beauty of foreign language films and TV series
An opportunity to learn something new while relaxing at the same time.
It should come as no surprise that the streaming traffic on Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video (among other streaming services) has increased heavily over the course of the past few months.
However, in our decisions to use such services as well as the time that we devote to watching, often times we default to watching (or rewatching) films and TV series that are not only in our native language but are generally closely-related.
One of the major reasons for this is the need for subtitles: I’ve heard, on a number of different occasions, people downplay the use of subtitles, claiming the difficulty in simultaneously reading and focusing on the actions taking place on the screen.
Others have expressed difficulty in watching a foreign program dubbed into their native language as the lips of the characters don’t correspond with the words being spoken (on rare occasion do I ever go the way of dubbed programming, unless I’m watching something that was originally recorded in my native language but looking to learn from the dubbed translations).
Having said this, there is a beauty to foreign language films and TV series that we ought to be tap into more.
We can learn a considerable amount of things about a country and/or culture from a film or TV series, from idiomatic language to the person-to-person interactions among people within that culture, not to mention the varying cinematic aspects.
Most importantly, foreign language films and TV series are wonderful methods to connect people of different cultures in finding common ground and realizing that despite particular differences at face-value, we’re all really not that different from one another.
Dedicating time to watching foreign language films and TV series provides for numerous enhancements in cross-cultural competency, which is absolutely fundamental for operating within the global world in which we live today.
Now, simply watching a one film or TV series from a particular country will not provide an incredible base for that culture (depending on the program genre), additional research is beneficial as to not fall into stereotyping, however it is a great start from the point of view of learning about the history of a country/culture and developing a greater interest in that region.
In addition, as we often find ourselves identifying with particular characters in film and TV series in our native tongue, the same exists for foreign language productions, sometimes even more-so given the pre-existing mindset that you are watching a production with which you do not identify with culturally, and so you’ll make greater strides internally to connect with the characters.
In continuing with my own personal pursuits in language-learning, foreign language films and TV series are incredibly useful for this. I will move away from discussing dubbed programming and focus on subtitles.
Not only will a captivating storyline entice you further, but viewing a film or TV series in your target language will enhance your vocabulary, both formally and colloquially (which is crucial if you plan on travelling to that country one day), allowing you to witness the language in-action and learn far more than you could from any textbook or online resource.
- Side-note: if your competency is between beginner to low-intermediate, then I would recommend having the subtitles in your native language and listening carefully as you read and follow along with what’s taking place on the screen. It’s really not that difficult, for like anything else you’ll get used to it after you do it a few times, and if you’re truly interested in learning then it won’t be an obstacle. From low-intermediate to high-intermediate I would recommend subtitles in the target language to help build on comprehension as accents and dialects often hinder comprehension (even for native speakers).
As we utilize film and TV series to provide for a quick and easy escape from reality, coupled with the ever-so-great demand for such programming during this difficult time (and the fact that travelling anywhere is not an option for the foreseeable future), foreign language programming gives you the ability to take a quick trip anywhere in the world while comfortably sitting on your couch.
You may already have a great interest in travel, and maybe you don’t (for now), however the ability for us to take a quick glimpse into another part of the world via motion-picture is amazing and may even inspire a future trip to a place in which you had little prior interest or knowledge.
Netflix (with which I have the most experience, however I would assume this is true for most streaming platforms) makes it easy to find such programming by simply searching the name of a country which will then provide you with a list of the available titles and their genres in your catalog, which of course varies depending on the country in which you live. YouTube also has a number of films from countries around the world that you could watch for free, however not all of them provide subtitles.
Take a chance on a foreign language film or TV series and learn about a different country, culture and group of people from the comfort of your own home. The discoveries are endless and you may even develop a new interest/hobby as a result.
Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to enjoy yourself while learning, as it’s absolutely imperative for us to keep the brain sharp and healthy as we navigate these turbulent times.
A few personal recommendations by language (on Netflix):
- Italian – The Ruthless (Lo spietato, film), Ultras (film), Suburra – La serie (series)
- Spanish – La última fiesta (film 🇦🇷), Spanish Affair 1 & 2 (film 🇪🇸), Club de Cuervos (series 🇲🇽), Rebelde Way (series 🇦🇷)
- Romanian – #Selfie69 (film), Why Me? (film)
- French – Back to School (La grande classe, film), The African Doctor (film), Marseille (series)
- Russian – Dovlatov (film), The Sniffer (series), Better than Us (series)
- Japanese – Shoplifters (film), Atelier (series), Erased (series)
- Arabic – The Consul’s Son (film 🇪🇬), Secret of the Nile (series 🇪🇬), Al Hayba (series 🇱🇧🇸🇾)
