Mastering a foreign language just got easier. Specialised movies have blended entertainment and reading to create an enjoyable, yet effective way to learn.

How is this so? It’s possible thanks to the “natural approach.”

Developed by Stephen Kashen, a linguistics expert, the natural approach is a philosophy that people can learn a foreign language naturally if the input is enjoyable, relaxed, entertaining and relevant. Similarly, Jérôme Paul, a French teacher, has been developing a teaching series entitled “Le Français illustré” attached below. It’s main purpose is using illustration to accompany words when teaching language, helping students better understand and connect with the language.

The concept has been shaped through research in linguistics, psychology, psycholinguistics and, most recently, multisensory media technology. Multisensory media technologies specifically targeting this form of learning is also available. Scientists and educators indicate that using captions with the film activate the cognitive elements of the brain so the development of both reading and spoken language skills take place naturally. Movies can also serve as a form of motivation, which not only helps learning, but also keeps the student in touch with the language.

​At every learning level, something can be garnered from this medium of language learning, be it culture, intonation, phrases or vocabulary! For example, accents are unique to different countries, even if they speak the same language. Students can often find this challenging, but exposure to different accents in movies can give them the comfort and familiarity with the sounds they are learning.

Recognising words or phrases during a movie, while rewarding, is also a marker of learning progress. Using movies to expand one’s vocabulary is a good way to gather relevant phrases and words to use in daily speech. Oftentimes, as students, we are unsure of the vocabulary we require until the situation arises. Movies simulate these situations and they’re generally enjoyable, which helps us retain that information.

So how do we find the right movies?

There is no “right” movie, the key is that the movie or show should be enjoyable for the learner! Don’t force yourself to watch something just because it is in that language because then it becomes a chore. Each year, Singapore hosts numerous film festivals. One such example is the French Film Festival, which showcases the best films from the francophonie. Even if you don’t manage to score a ticket, you can use these festivals as a source for good movies, and popular actors and actresses.

However, all this said, we’re not saying you should throw out those books and sit down in front of the television. Classes and a good teacher are crucial to effective learning, but learning does not have to stop outside of the classroom. Many adult learners often get busy with work, home and life in general and learning a foreign language can quickly take a backseat. Soon, months go by and the language is all but forgotten. Movies can help students learn at their own leisure and keep them in touch with the language. You can even bring the film to class and discuss it with your teacher and other students.

At Agape School of Education, we use a wide variety of methods to cultivate a passion for language. We also understand that students are often busy and that life can get hectic. Therefore, our classes are modifiable to fit different people, different needs and different schedules. Find us online and choose from one of our 13 language courses today!