How To Use Cartoons to Learn a Language
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I don’t know about you, but I still love to watch a good cartoon.
Sure, you can obviously practice language learning by watching films of the live-action variety (which I also love), or vlogs on YouTube, but if you’re a kid at heart, there’s nothing quite like cartoons to get you your much-needed listening practice.
Okay. But Why Cartoons?
First, cartoons tend to use simpler language than other authentic language resources, so they are ideal for beginners. Whether you’re a child or an adult, the language used won’t overwhelm you and can be a good start before moving towards more advanced listening practice.
And as Dajana, Assistant professor of Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, points out, “Since the learner is exposed to a realistic use of language, he becomes a participant of the target language world. This unconscious involvement of the learner in the language interaction process helps him acquire the language.”
Plus, foreign language cartoons are usually short and cute, so motivating yourself to watch is not hard. They can fit into any schedule, and you will probably enjoy your listening practice.
How Do I Choose Which Cartoon To Watch?
Try to find cartoons that aren’t dubbed (although they can work too!), or and are available in your target language.
i.e. for learners of Russian, you’ll know Russian version of Winnie the Pooh is a must see.
or Japanese learners have to watch Doraemon at some point in their lives.
How To Make the Most Out of Watching Cartoons
Use Subtitles Strategically
Subtitles may be available for some cartoons, and it’s important to use them strategically to get the most out of your cartoon viewing.
If you’re just starting to learn a language, and have not found your feet, turning English subtitling is recommended so you know what the characters are saying.
However, once you’ve studied a language for a while, try not to look at English subtitles. Or if you do have them on, only glance down if you miss a word.
And after that, find subtitles in your target language. That way you can practice reading and listening, (which will help with your pronunciation). Win!
Re-Watch Your Favourite Episodes
Children are very good at rewatching the same thing, over and over again.
It’s about time we do that again for the sake of our language learning goals.
It will be fun. And the more you watch it, the more you will memorise vocabulary.
Watch small snippets on the go
Cartoons aren’t hard to follow, so they’re a resource you can easily break into small chunks. When you don’t have time to watch an entire hour of Bob Esponja in (Spongebob in Spanish) you can probably watch it for ten minutes and still get something out of it.
Cartoons Mentioned:
