Discovering the World Through Foreign TV: A Linguistic Adventure

In a world where globalization has brought us closer together, many individuals have found a unique way to immerse themselves in new cultures and languages - through the power of television. From Turkish historical dramas to Swedish comedies, and even the captivating world of Spanish drag queens, these personal stories showcase how TV can be a transformative tool for language learning and cultural exploration.

Unlocking New Perspectives, One Episode at a Time

Embracing the Turkish Storytelling Tradition

During the lockdown, Lady-Marie Dawson-Malcolm, a 62-year-old Londoner, discovered the Turkish historical drama "Diriliş: Ertuğrul." Captivated by the 13th-century tale of Ertuğrul, the father of Osman who founded the Ottoman Empire, she found herself immersed in the rich storytelling and vibrant culture. This initial exposure led her to explore other Turkish programs, and she soon became hooked, making Turkish television her sole viewing choice. Determined to fully immerse herself, Dawson-Malcolm has also started learning the language online, finding herself currently engrossed in the popular show "Emanet," even without the aid of subtitles.

Improving Swedish Comprehension Through Comedy

For 26-year-old Stenner from Lancashire, Swedish television has been a valuable tool in his language-learning journey. Drawn to the online offerings of the Swedish Broadcasting Company, SVT, Stenner found that comedy shows like "Trevlig helg," "Morran och Tobias," "Leif och Billy," and "Terese i Kassan" were particularly helpful. The shorter format and engaging nature of these programs allowed him to build his vocabulary and become more accustomed to the Swedish accent, making him more understandable when conversing with native speakers during his visits to Sweden.

Embracing the Colorful World of Spanish Drag

For Sarah Wait, a 43-year-old from Bristol, the Spanish language came alive through the vibrant world of "Drag Race España." Inspired by her Spanish lessons and an upcoming trip to Costa Rica and Cuba, Wait immersed herself in the show, not only learning colloquial terms and expressive language but also gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the Spanish culture. The show's unapologetic use of colorful language has provided her with a more authentic and relatable vocabulary, better preparing her for real-world conversations.

Discovering the Humor in Welsh

Baron Walkden, a 40-year-old living in Anglesey, found that the Welsh comedy program "Beryl, Cheryl and Meryl" played a crucial role in his language-learning journey. After moving to Anglesey and marrying a local, Walkden committed to learning Welsh, and this lighthearted show helped him approach the language with a sense of fun and playfulness. By embracing the humor and not taking himself too seriously, Walkden was able to overcome the fear of making mistakes and focus on the joy of communicating in his new language.

Rediscovering the Allure of German Through Sci-Fi

Maya, a language learner from Australia, had been studying German for nearly four years and even spent time on a student exchange in Cologne. However, upon returning home, her fluency began to wane. That is, until she discovered the German sci-fi series "Dark" on Netflix. The show's use of Hochdeutsch, or standard German, proved to be a valuable asset, helping Maya expand her vocabulary beyond the typical textbook topics. Surprisingly, the show's discussions on time travel and philosophy also contributed to her language growth, reigniting her passion for learning German.

Embracing the Linguistic Nuances of Historical Chinese Dramas

Alexandra Nikolaisen, a 43-year-old from Vienna, Austria, found that watching historical costume dramas set during the Qing dynasty was an effective way to learn Chinese. Shows like "Qianlong Dynasty," "Yongzheng Dynasty," and "Kangxi Dynasty" exposed her to a wealth of archaic and now-obsolete expressions, which she found both fascinating and challenging. While this led to some communication difficulties in modern-day conversations, Nikolaisen's unique vocabulary was appreciated by those she met in China, who found her linguistic touch to be a refreshing change.

Navigating the Rhythms and Accents of Danish Through TV

Emily, a 28-year-old from Lincoln, began her Danish language-learning journey with the help of YouTube videos featuring the children's show "Cocomelon." This provided her with a solid foundation in core vocabulary and rhythmic patterns. As she progressed, Emily moved on to dubbing of familiar movies, such as Disney films and "Toy Story," before finally tackling the Danish political drama "Borgen" on Netflix. This transition allowed her to experience the language at a more formal, adult level, exposing her to the typical flow, rhythm, and colloquial expressions used by native speakers, as well as the nuances of the Danish accent.

Embracing the Comedic Flair of Estonian TV

David, a 37-year-old living in Tallinn, Estonia, found that watching comedy sketches from the show "Tujurikkuja" (best translated as "Buzzkill") was one of the most effective ways for him to learn Estonian. The show's satirical take on current events and Estonian culture introduced him to a wide range of vocabulary, and by mimicking the comedians' accents and mannerisms, he was able to develop a unique linguistic style that was recognized by a fellow Estonian at a conference.