Who said learning English is boring?

We all know that learning a language is a long and challenging process. Learning a language requires paying attention, showing interest, trying to remember terms and phrases, practicing what you learn, dedicating time to it, etc. In short, a language always requires a certain level of effort. But in many cases, it does not have to involve memorizing long lists of verbs (the dreaded phrasal verbs or irregular verbs), sitting for hours and hours in a chair in front of a book or using boring methods. There are other ways to supplement the learning process without studying, with the help of new technologies and through original and fun ways.

Watching series and movies

Nowadays, we are fortunate to have a large number of streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, etc. All of them offer a multitude of original content in English and are a very enjoyable way to get to learn pronunciation, new vocabulary and even different cultural context and expressions of the language. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your learning by using these platforms:

1. Set the audio in original version and the subtitles in Spanish if your level of English is very low, but only at the beginning, as if it were a warm-up, otherwise it will end up in a simple reading of the dialogues in Spanish.

2. Set the audio and subtitles to the original version. Listening and, at the same time, seeing the words and expressions written will help to fix and memorize the new lexicon better, since the input is collected through two channels of information instead of only one.

3. Install training applications such as Fleex or Learning Lenguage With Netflix, extensions for the Chrome browser that allow access to more precise functionalities for language learning: dictionaries, more precise definitions of words that appear in the subtitles, slower reproductions of scenes with a lot of dialogue etc.

4. Adapt the content to your level of knowledge:

• Series for low level of English: Gotham, Viking, Ozark are the public's favorite series to learn English when you have a lower level of English. Due to their vocabulary, number of dialogues and other details, they are the most recommended series to start learning by streaming.

• Series for intermediate English level: Stranger Things, Friends, Downton Abbey or Suites are series for amateurs with an intermediate level. With easy dialogues and a pronunciation of words suitable for people who have an intermediate level of English.

• Series for high level of English: Orange is the new black, Sherlock or Sense8 are series that have a very high level of difficulty due to the speed of the dialogues, the pronunciation and the variety of accents among the main characters. These series are recommended for listening to the language but without a high level of English it will be difficult to follow even with subtitles in the same language. It can be a challenge.

Listening to podcasts, audiobooks and songs

Podcasts can be listened to through web portals or downloaded through the main platforms: Ivoox, iTunes, Soundcloud, Spreaker or Spotify. Most of them are free and there are a multitude of topics, so look for something that suits your interests and tastes. Another option is audiobooks. Audiobooks are not simply the voice recording of a book. They go beyond that, because they include different voices that modulate, emphasize and add appropriate expressiveness to the written content. Many audiobooks even have ambience effects and the ability to increase or decrease the playback speed, which is especially beneficial for learning a language and practicing listening comprehension and pronunciation. You can access thousands of audiobooks for free through sites such as Lit2Go, Loyal Books, LibriVox, Learn out Loud and YouTube. You can also listen to your favorite songs while studying, driving, cooking, cleaning or exercising. Don't be afraid to try and sing along to the songs you're listening to. You'll not just be having fun, but also making progress in familiarising with more English words and pronunciation.

Read as much as you can

Another easy and entertaining way is to read whatever you can get your hands on, in whatever format you like. It can be a novel, the news in a printed or digital newspaper, an interesting article you found in a blog or social media posts.

Talk to native speakers online

Nowadays, there are numerous free applications that allow you to get in touch with people from all over the world in order to do a language exchange, that is, users teach each other. One of the best known is Tandem, which recommends people with whom you can speak the language you want to practice, corrects possible grammatical mistakes and even allows you to make a video call.

Play video games

This is a great opportunity to have fun and learn if you play video games on daily bases. Of course, at first you won't be able to fully understand if you don't have a sufficient knowledge, mainly because video games vocabulary is pretty specific and restricted to the context. But the fact remains that you can learn new things while having fun.

Surround yourself with the language and experience it abroad

Learning a language abroad and immersing yourself directly in its culture is probably the best way to learn a language. You can get a close-up look at how it works and face day-to-day situations in which you will have to cope. Without a doubt, it is the most personal side of the language, so if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to do it.

As you have seen, there are many enjoyable and original ways to learn English outside of books. So don't wait any longer and put into practice as many as you can. You will see how you improve your English language skills 😊.