Did you know that television can be used as a tool for
learning and improving your English skills? Besides the obvious way of watching
educational programmes on the learning channels, any programme that is in good
English can be a resource for learning new English words, new English
expressions, as well as pronunciation.
The trick though is to choose a news programme,
documentary, talk show, comedy or other production that uses formal and good
English. I enjoy watching the likes of ENews, CNN and the BBC news channels and
also talk shows such as Orprah. Advertisements are also great for metaphoric
and emotive language. You might want to be careful though, about following
content that is in American English when you speak British English and
vice-versa.
Dedicate regularly, about half an hour or whatever amount
of time you have to spare, to listen to your favourite presenter, actress or
talk show host. Make a conscious effort to listen and concentrate on what he or
she or they are saying. It is important to remind yourself that for that time
duration, your aim is improve your English. This will make you focus and prevent
you from watching and listening for entertainment purposes only. Jot down on
paper or your electronic note pad, any words or expressions that catch your
ear. Later, you will use your paperback or web based dictionary to look up the
meaning and make a conscious effort to use it in your own sentences. You can
even try and enact the scene that you watched and see if you can do it better
than it was done on television.
Analyse why certain things in a series, show or
advertisement have been said in a certain way as opposed to another way. Ask
yourself what the effect would have been if the information been said in a
different way. How have words been used by one character to convince,
manipulate or influence another character or you the viewer?
The same principles can be applied with musical lyrics,
but choosing the right material is crucial. Get advice from your English
teacher if you are not sure whether or not a certain production is suitable. There
is a lot of bad language that is churned out in the media. Language rules are
often sacrificed for the sake of artistic freedom. Give this learning tool a chance and you will
see your English competency improve and your knowledge increase while you also
have fun at the same time!
