Spanish TV - is it helpful?

Question

I`ve recently got my first spanish TV channel, "TVE International". I started learning spanish a few months ago using free podcasts.

Let me know your experience in picking up and learning by watching spanish-speaking televison. How useful is it?

Muchas gracias.

Answer 1

Watching Spanish TV is a great addition to your language learning program. But you have to be careful in how you use it. As one already said, it gives yo a feel for the rhythm of the language and helps to train you "ear" to the sounds. However, in most telenovels and movies (actual Spanish movies and not English ones dubbed) the actors can speak very quckly. Thus, many words seem to run together and it can prove frustrating to a beginner. As another suggested, watching English movies familiar to you in Spanish can help since you know the story already, but the timing of the dubbing can be off creating a problem unless you're really focused. Also, you don't get the utility of seeing the mouthing of the words as yo uwould in a Spanish production.
The news is good if you are aware ot the stories they"re covering ahead of time (see English movies above). But reporters are always squeezed to do their story in as short a time as possible so they speak fast, too. Believe or not, comercials are really good. They speak realtively slowly and clearly with little slang. (to be sure you get their message). Although their vocabulary is limited to the product or situation. Que tenga much exito en los estudios!!

Answer 2

I highly recommend watching Spanish TV daily, especially if you are unable to have conversations with Spanish speaking people on a regular basis. Listening to the language in conversation is just as important as learning grammar and vocabulary, if your goal is to be fluent.

I have found that watching a variety of programming is the most useful way of learning. Don't stick to one type of show, such as telenovelas. Also include news programs, documentaries, and even the commercials. Because many commercials are so repetitive, you can pick up on a lot of vocabulary just by watching them.

¡Buene Suerte!

• Thank you so much! - Thomas-de-No Oct 22, 2009
• De nada! - Nicole-B Oct 22, 2009

Answer 3

Viendo televisión en español es muy útil. Es útil para aprender unas palabras y el ritmo y de la lengua. Puedes ver las programas con el diccionario de Spanishdict.com para más ayuda con la comprensión.

• Gracias! Escribe muy bien! How have you learned to write so well? - Thomas-de-No Oct 22, 2009
• Thanks, Thomas. It probably took me 10 minutes to write that sentence, but a month ago it would have taken me 15 minutes. Just take your time. - jrey0474 Oct 22, 2009

Answer 4

jrey is right, it helps you hear as spanish-speakers do, and see how alot of phrases and words are used. watch spanish soap-operas (called "novelas") to expand vocab and it's slower talk and more conversational.

Answer 5

I watch the same movie over and over. Every time I watch it I catch a little more. I can now understand about half of what is being said.

• Hmm, that`s a really good tip! Bet you watch without subtitles then? - Thomas-de-No Oct 22, 2009
• Yep. If I used subtitles It would probably be much quicker. - Seitheach Oct 22, 2009

Answer 6

Many DVDs that I own have language options too, so I watch them in Spanish. I really like this because I know what is going on. I don't feel so lost and I can pick up more of the conversation.

Answer 7

I usually play a Spanish movie on my computer while I am going through the answer section on here too.