English is a global language spoken by millions of people worldwide. One important aspect of mastering this language is understanding slang, which is often used in everyday conversation, especially in international movies and TV shows. Learning slang can be a challenge for English learners because it is often not found in formal dictionaries, and its meaning can be highly contextual.
However, learning slang doesn’t have to be confusing. You can use international films and TV shows as a fun and effective way to learn English slang. In this article, we will explore how movies and TV shows can help you learn slang, as well as some tips you can apply to speed up your understanding of colloquial language.
Why is Learning Slang Important?
Before diving into how to learn slang through films and TV shows, it’s important to understand why slang is so crucial in English. Slang reflects the way people speak in everyday life, especially within various social groups, particularly among young people. Therefore, if you want to speak fluently in English, understanding slang will help you communicate more naturally.
Moreover, native English speakers often use slang in everyday conversations, whether at work, school, or even in personal life. Without a good grasp of slang, you may struggle to understand daily conversations or even feel alienated when surrounded by people who use colloquial language frequently.
Slang can also help you adapt to local cultures, whether in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, or in international settings where English is used as a lingua franca. Thus, learning slang not only enhances your language skills but also broadens your perspective on the cultures that use the language.
Films and TV Series as Sources for Learning Slang
Now, let’s discuss how international films and TV series can be excellent tools for learning English slang. This is a fun and engaging way to improve your understanding of colloquial language.
Here are some reasons why films and TV series are effective for learning slang:
1. Watching and Listening to Slang in Context
One of the main advantages of learning slang through films and TV series is that you can hear it used in real-life context. In everyday life, slang is not always used in formal situations or textbooks. Instead, slang is often used in casual conversations, especially among friends, family, or coworkers.
For example, in popular TV series like Friends, the characters frequently use slang that was common among young people in the United States at the time. By listening to how slang is used in conversation, you’ll have an easier time understanding its meaning and usage. This is much more effective than simply learning a list of slang words without knowing when or how to use them.
2. Varied Slang Across Countries
International films and TV series also give you the opportunity to learn different variations of slang from various countries. For example, slang used in the UK might differ from that in the US or Australia. By watching films or series from different English-speaking countries, you can get a sense of the slang variations and become more versatile in your speech.
Shows like Sherlock (UK) or The IT Crowd provide a clear picture of more formal and technical British slang, while The Simpsons or Friends offer casual, humorous American slang. You’ll get to experience the language differences in each production, which will enrich your vocabulary.
3. Improving Pronunciation and Intonation
In addition to understanding the meaning of slang, it’s also important to pay attention to how pronunciation and intonation are used in everyday conversations. Films and TV series give you the chance to hear how native speakers correctly pronounce slang words. This will help you improve your speaking skills and ensure that you say words in a natural way.
For example, in The Social Network, you can learn the proper pronunciation of terms used in the tech world. Similarly, in How I Met Your Mother, you’ll hear slang frequently used by young people in casual conversations.
4. Enhancing Listening Skills
One of the biggest challenges in language learning is understanding what you hear, especially when conversations are fast-paced and filled with slang. Films and TV series allow you to practice listening skills in a fun way. You can replay certain scenes or watch films with subtitles to understand the meaning of the slang used.
Research shows that watching films in the target language can significantly improve listening skills, particularly in understanding accents, slang, and everyday expressions.
Effective Tips for Learning Slang Through Movies and TV Shows
To maximize your learning of English slang through movies and TV shows, here are some tips you can apply:
1. Use English Subtitles
When watching movies or TV shows in English, make sure to turn on English subtitles as well. This will help you connect what you hear with what you see. Subtitles provide a clear view of how slang is spelled, making it easier to remember.
2. Focus on Characters with Distinct Speech Styles
Some characters in movies and TV shows are known for using specific slang. For example, in the show Friends, the character Chandler Bing frequently uses slang that is very common in the United States. You can choose to focus on these characters and try to imitate the way they speak.
3. Take Notes on Slang You Encounter
While watching, take notes on any new slang you come across. Write down the meaning of the slang and how it is used in a sentence. Afterward, try using the slang in daily conversations or speaking exercises.
4. Watch Repeatedly
Watching the same scenes repeatedly can help you understand slang usage in more depth. After watching, try speaking using the slang you’ve just learned. With regular practice, you will become more familiar with how it’s used.
5. Watch Movies or Shows with Different Accents
Accents can significantly affect how slang is pronounced. If you want to better understand variations of slang, watch movies or TV shows from different English-speaking countries. Try to pick up the nuances of slang used by people with different accents, such as British, American, or Australian.
Recommended Movies and TV Shows for Learning Slang
Here are some films and TV shows that are excellent for learning English slang:
1. Friends (United States)
This legendary series is packed with slang used by a group of friends living in New York. With characters like Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani, you’ll encounter many colloquial expressions commonly used in daily life.
2. How I Met Your Mother (United States)
This series offers slang used by young people in New York. Many words are used in casual conversations but are very useful in everyday communication.
3. The Inbetweeners (United Kingdom)
This show is filled with typical British youth slang. You’ll find many expressions and phrases used by teenagers and college students in the UK, giving you a clear picture of how slang is used in the country.
4. Skins (United Kingdom)
This teen drama series is full of British slang commonly used among young people. Many of the words in this show reflect the free and often bold youth culture.
5. Peaky Blinders (United Kingdom)
If you’re interested in slang used in a historical context, Peaky Blinders offers very distinctive language, with lots of slang from the 1920s in the UK. It’s an intriguing choice if you want to understand how slang has evolved over time.
Conclusion
Learning English slang through international films and TV shows is an effective, enjoyable, and contextual way to improve your language skills. By watching these films and shows, you can understand how slang is used in real-life situations, explore slang variations from different countries, and enhance your listening and pronunciation skills. With consistency and proper practice, you’ll be able to speak English more confidently and naturally.
References:
https://ejournal.unp.ac.id/index.php/selt/article/viewFile/6686/5227
https://www.ultimateducation.co.id/the-importance-of-learning-english-through-films-and-tv-series
https://ijsshr.in/v6i4/Doc/43.pdf
https://repository.uksw.edu/bitstream/123456789/14516/2/T1_112015708_Full%20text.pdf
