Can watching movies help you learn Spanish? We think so!
There are many reasons why people decide to learn a new language.
Because it’s one of the most spoken languages of the world;
It’s very useful for traveling and doing business.
Or simply because they like how the language sounds.
Those who learn Spanish in Colombia might have chosen the country because they have fallen in love with a Colombian and they are interested in our culture.
Or, because they want to travel around the country and discover its beauty.
Whatever the reason is, the most important is making the learning process entertained.
That is why we have prepared a short guide on how to learn Spanish by watching Colombian Movies and Series.
How watching movies could help you improve your Spanish?
Although it is very important to have a teacher who helps you learn properly the language’s grammar, pronunciation, and structure; it is not advisable to get used to only one person’s accent and way of speaking.
It is very important to immerse yourself as much as possible in the language; to get yourself used to hearing different accents, talking speeds, and words.
There are many ways you can practice your Spanish outside your classes. A very nice and entertaining way is by watching movies. Yes, as simple as that!
It doesn’t matter which is your level of Spanish.
How is that?
By watching movies and series in Spanish you could:
- Learn new vocabulary.
- Get used to different accents and conversation speeds.
- Learn slang and expressions.
- Get to know the Colombian culture better.
To get the best out of the movies or series, watch them consciously. It’s important you are in the ”mood of learning”.
Here some tips that could help you!
Tips to improve your Spanish while watching movies and series
1. Keep always a notebook and a pen next to you
You might think you will remember the words you like during the movie for the next class with your teacher, but the truth is you won’t remember much.
So, enjoy the movie but keep a page of your notebook to add new vocabulary.
2. Watch English movies with Spanish subtitles
Start by putting Spanish subtitles to all movies, series, TV shows, and talks that you like.
It will help you to get familiar with the words, construction of the sentences, and expressions.
3. Watch Children movies in Spanish keeping Spanish subtitles.
Who doesn’t love children’s movies?
Well, this is an opportunity to remember your childhood. Watch movies like the Lion King, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Tarzan, Bambi, and Toy Story in Spanish. You have seen these movies before, so you know what’s happening. Thus, you can focus more on the language than on the movie.
4. Watch Colombian, Latin American, and Spanish movies in the original language.
If your Spanish proficiency is not that good yet, keep the English subtitle, but always keep attention to conversations.
Try to grasp as many words and expressions as you can.
If you are confident enough with your Spanish language, then watch the movies in the original language with Spanish subtitles.
Reading the subtitles will help you to understand better in case you miss out on any words and will help you improve your spelling.
5. Focus on short segments and simple conversations
Start with baby steps.
Don’t get frustrated if you don’t understand much in the beginning.
There is no need to rush, just focus on short segments of the movie or series. Pay full attention to those conversations when just one or two people are talking.
6. Listen and repeat
This is a fun exercise. Choose a simple sentence or conversation and try to repeat what they are saying.
Pay particular attention to the intonation of the words and sentences, to the pronunciation, and the speed. This will help your tongue getting loose and thus having a better pronunciation.
7. Look up new words
As soon as you finish watching the movie or series, look up the words you wrote down and their meaning. It’s important you do it when your memory is still fresh.
Try to use the new words you learn in further conversation with your teacher or friends, this will help remember them easily afterward.
8. Watch the movie or series all over again
Who hasn’t repeated movies once, twice, three times or even more times?
Well, if you find a favorite Spanish language movie or series, watch it over and over again. Since you already know the story you can focus more on the language!
So, keep these tips in mind, get yourself some popcorn, and start practicing!
This is a list of 10 Colombian movies and series you should watch to improve your Spanish language. They could help you learn our most common slang and expressions as well as our culture.
Top 10 Colombian movies and series
Documentary – Colombia Wild Magic (Colombia Magia Salvaje)
“A wonderful country full of amazing creatures in America called Colombia, seen as never before, accompanied by incredible shots, make it a must-see place for adventurers and wildlife lovers this natural paradise”. (IMDb)
Movie – The Wind Journeys (Los Viajes del Viento)
“For most of his life, Ignacio Carrillo traveled the villages of northern Colombia, playing traditional songs on his accordion, a legendary instrument said to have once belonged to the devil. He eventually married and settled in a small town, leaving the nomadic life behind. But after the traumatic death of his wife, he vows to never play the accursed accordion again and embarks on one last journey to return the instrument to its rightful owner. On the way, Ignacio is followed by Fermán, a spirited teenager determined to become his apprentice. Tired of loneliness, Ignacio accepts the young man as his pupil and together they traverse the vast Colombian terrain, discovering the musical diversity of Caribbean culture”. (IMDb)
Movie – The Strategy of the Snail (La estrategia del Caracol)
“A lot of people live in an abandoned house; after many years of quiet living, the owner of the house wants them out. They try whatever they can to avoid being evicted, without success. But one of them thinks of a way of saving, at least, their dignity”. (IMDb)
Movie – The Colors of the Mountain (Los Colores de la Montaña)
“Manuel dreams of being a goalkeeper and ventures into a minefield to rescue his new ball”. (IMDb)
Movie – Maria Full of Grace (María Llena de Gracia)
“A pregnant Colombian teenager becomes a drug mule to make some desperately needed money for her family”. (IMDb)
Movie – Satan (Satanás)
“Based on the Mario Mendoza’s book and inspired by true events, tells three interconnected stories happening in the eve of the infamous Pozzetto Massacre”. (IMDb)
Netflix Series – Wild District (Distrito Salvaje)
“After surrendering to Bogotá police, an ex-guerrilla avoids prison by working undercover to investigate a ruthless enforcer of government corruption”. (IMDb)
Netflix Series – Always a Witch (Siempre Bruja)
“Time-traveling witch from the 17th century escapes death and finds herself in modern-day Cartagena”. (IMDb)
Netflix Series – Green Frontier (Frontera Verde)
“When a young Bogotá-based detective gets drawn into the jungle to investigate four femicides, she uncovers magic, an evil plot and her true origins”. (IMDb)
Netflix Series – Bolívar
“This dramatization depicts the life – and loves – of Venezuelan Gen. Simón Bolívar, who helped liberate several Latin American countries from Spain”. (IMDb)
Tips from our teachers
If you like movies, one of the Learn More Than Spanish teachers have recommended the following Apps:
On this app, you will find all the audiovisual content of the Colombian public radio and television system. Here you will have access to free series, movies, radio stations, documentaries, children’s content, and many others for free, and with the possibility of connecting them to your SmartTV. You only need to open a user account with your email and you will be able to enjoy many movies, series, shorts, and documentaries in Spanish.
On this app, you will find hundreds of free Argentine movies, classified in different genres: drama, comedy, horror, action, and the best… they are free. You only need to open a user account with your email, and you will be able to enjoy many movies, series, short films, and documentaries in Spanish.
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