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LiveXPQuestionsEnglishIs a foreign TV show which is subtitled helpful or does reading distract you from what is spoken?

Is a foreign TV show which is subtitled helpful or does reading distract you from what is spoken?

Mary ElizabethMary Elizabeth
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11 answers from our tutors

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Jason Bainbridge
Jason BainbridgeCountry flag: nz
TEFL Certified- Highly experienced ESL Trainer since 1999 - Japan, China and Viet Nam

I have lived in several countries and if I can I like to use the subtitles if they are available.

  • Gugu
    GuguCountry flag: za
    Certified Esl teacher

    Reading subtitles is helpful. It helps with pronunciation.

  • Candace
    CandaceCountry flag: za
    Certified Teacher with 7 years of experience teaching children and adults

    I support the use of subtitles at the beginning stages of learning a new language. Having no subtitles when you barely know the language would make it more difficult to understand. When you’re reading subtitles, you are still being exposed to the spoken language which will help develop proficiency, pronunciation and context. At the same time, even when not learning the language, subtitles are a great way to be able to enjoy some amazing TV shows in other languages that you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to experience.

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  • Calixtus Etokudo
    Calixtus EtokudoCountry flag: gb
    I am an approved English/French tutor with 15 years experience of teaching TOEFL, IELTS, and CAE.

    Distraction can be controlled by choosing not to pay attention to the TV. Reading can distract a person from what is spoken depending on the level of concentration when reading.

  • Nas
    NasCountry flag: us
    Certified International ESL Tutor with 5 years of experience

    For A1 levels it can be useful at first, after a while student can watch them without subtitle.

  • Solomiia
    SolomiiaCountry flag: ua
    General English A1-C1, IELTS, NMT/EVI, Business English, IT

    It's helpful if you want to learn new vocabulary. If you want to improve your listening skills, try to watch without subtitles.

  • Robert
    RobertCountry flag: gb
    Native English Tutor (London UK)

    Very helpful as you are seeing the words and hearing the correct pronunciation

  • Jamari Andrews
    Jamari AndrewsCountry flag: us
    I am a certified bi-lingual TEFL English teacher! Let me show you the keys to confidence & fluency!

    It’s actually very helpful! It helps with grasping the language, slang, and even having better multitasking skills to read and translate!

  • Teacher Sue
    Teacher SueCountry flag: za
    Making a difference in your life to reach personal success through dedicated teaching and guidance.

    I love Korean series but do find that I have to rewind because I missed the subtitle, and most times the English is not correct and you have to figure it out. For me not helpful

  • Felix Garcia
    Felix GarciaCountry flag: ni
    Certified ESL Instructor - Native Spanish Speaker

    It is even more helpful if you try repeating the phrases in English while you listen to it.

  • Sasha R.
    Sasha R.Country flag: rs
    I am a certified TEFL teacher with 4 years of teaching experience.

    My experience with this method is entirely positive. It helped me improve my Spanish.

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