Movies: Powerful Tips for Mastering a Language

Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling two languages, such as English and Vietnamese. One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to boost your language skills is through movies. Watching films not only exposes you to real-life language use but also helps you improve your vocabulary, listening skills, and cultural understanding. In this article, VLS will recommend some Vietnamese movies that can help you improve your Vietnamese language skills, along with techniques to retain new vocabulary more effectively.

How to Learn a Language through Movies: Practical Tips for Bilingual Learners

Movies are an excellent tool for language learners because they offer real-life contexts in which language is used naturally. For bilingual learners, watching films can help you navigate both English and Vietnamese in ways that textbooks can’t. Here’s how to learn a language through watching movies: 

Start with Subtitles

For both English and Vietnamese learners, it’s helpful to begin with subtitles in your native language. For example, if you’re watching an English movie, you can first use Vietnamese subtitles to understand the storyline. As you become more comfortable, switch to subtitles in English or even turn them off to challenge yourself.

Choose Movies for Your Proficiency Level

Choose films that match your language level. If you’re a beginner, opt for children’s movies or animated films that use simpler language. As you progress, you can try watching dramas, comedies, or action movies that involve more complex vocabulary. If you’re learning both English and Vietnamese, look for bilingual movies or films that feature both languages for added practice. For learners of Vietnamese, here are some movie recommendations from VLS:

• Ai chết giơ tay (Land of Spirits: The Young Shaman): This supernatural drama follows an amateur shaman who uses his family’s exorcist skills to battle ghosts in a neighborhood steeped in supernatural activity. The film offers insights into Vietnamese superstitions and spiritual customs.
  • Level: Medium
  • Subtitles: English
  • Dialect: Southern
  • Speaking speed: Normal
• Nhỏ to chốn văn phòng (Office Gossip): Set in a lively office environment, this comedy-drama follows young employees as they navigate office culture and personal challenges. It’s a fun and insightful look into the working life in Vietnam, complete with colorful characters and unique personalities.
  • Level: Medium
  • Subtitles: English
  • Dialect: Southern & Northern
  • Speaking speed: Normal
• Bố già (Old father):  This drama centers around family love and the underworld, focusing on themes of integrity versus the pursuit of wealth. The story highlights the struggle between maintaining one’s morals in a corrupt world.
  • Level: Difficult
  • Subtitles: English
  • Dialect: Southern
  • Speaking speed: Fast
• Mai: This heartwarming drama tells the story of Mai, a massage therapist facing life’s struggles, who finds love with a wealthy young man wanting to experience a simpler life. “Mai” became the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time, earning 520 billion VND (20.9 million USD).
  • Level: Difficult
  • Subtitles: English
  • Dialect: Southern
  • Speaking speed: Fast

Repeat and Review

Repetition is key to language learning. Don’t be afraid to rewatch scenes that contain new words or phrases. The more you hear a word in different contexts, the easier it will be to remember.

Create a Vocabulary Mind-Map

As you watch, create a vocabulary mind-map to organize new words and phrases in both languages. Start with a central theme based on the scene, then add branches for related vocabulary. For example, if the scene is about a restaurant, you could include branches for food, drinks, and expressions. Write the English word and its Vietnamese translation on each branch, along with any synonyms, antonyms, or example sentences. This method helps you visualize and connect new words, making them easier to remember. Regularly review and expand your mind map to reinforce your vocabulary.

Advanced Tips for Bilingual Learners (Learning English and Vietnamese)

As a bilingual learner of both English and Vietnamese, you can take advantage of movies in several ways:

1. Watch Movies with Dual Subtitles
   Some streaming platforms offer dual subtitles in both English and Vietnamese. This feature allows you to see how words or phrases are translated between languages in real time. It’s a great way to compare sentence structures, vocabulary, and cultural differences.
   
2. Compare Expressions in Both Languages
   Focus on how common expressions are used in each language. For example, notice how humor, idioms, or polite forms of speech are expressed differently in English and Vietnamese. Understanding these nuances will help you speak both languages more fluently.
   
3. Create Parallel Mind Maps for Both Languages
   If you’re learning English and Vietnamese, create two separate mind maps for each language but organize them around the same theme. This will help you learn how different words and expressions correspond to each other, making the process of learning both languages more efficient.

>>> See more about the series ‘Thematic Vietnamese & English Vocabulary’: https://englishvietnamesevocab.com/en

Conclusion

Learning a language through movies is an enjoyable and effective way to improve your skills in both English and Vietnamese. By watching films, you can enhance your vocabulary, listening comprehension, and cultural knowledge in both languages. The mind-mapping technique helps you organize and retain new vocabulary, making language learning more engaging and efficient.

For bilingual learners, movies offer the perfect opportunity to practice both languages in a real-world context. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, these tips will help you become more fluent and confident in your language abilities. So, grab your favorite films, start watching, and enjoy learning both English and Vietnamese in the most fun and immersive way possible!