Recommended dramas/ movies for language learners.

I am sometimes asked about the difference between a teacher’s spoken English and the English spoken out there in the real world. “Why can’t I understand them? They speak so quickly!”

I think this is a common problem when a student travels to another part of the world. The language practise done in a classroom doesn’t match what they experience in a shop, or at a bus stop.

The fact is the English language has a lot of variety. Different accents, different vocabulary, idioms and slang, even different grammar! In the classroom, a student will learn standard spoken English, but how can they prepare for a conversation with Mike down the pub, or Ethel who works at a check out?

I don’t have specific movie recommendations for learning English. What I recommend instead is TV drama. Generally speaking, TV drama uses the contemporary language of the region where it is produced. Drama also deals with every day emotional issues, such as new friendships, break ups, tragedies and successes. Your ability to understand these conversations, and respond to them, mark you out as an Advanced user of English. It’s all about the communication.

I come from Australia. The only major, long running drama I can think of here is called “Home and Away”. It’s about a small town north of Sydney, called Summer Bay, and deals with the stories of the people who live there.  I don’t recommend it for the story, but I recommend it for the 2021 Australian English being used in an everyday setting. Yes, it is also intended for an international audience, but it is Australian in nature. It may not be the ultimate solution, but it’s a step in the right direction.

So, would you like an English conversation with feedback?

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