We've got an easy solution for you to improve your listening comprehension in your target language.
I always get asked, "How can I improve my listening skills?" Here's my answer.
The next time you watch a TV show or movie on Netflix, watch it in your target language but switch the subtitles to your native language.
That way you'll both increase your listening comprehension by learning to associate the words or phrases with what you already know in your native language.
If you're at the basic level in your target language, you'll start memorizing basic vocab, including greetings, questions, directions, and more.
If you're at a more advanced level, you'll start picking up slang and native expressions. You may even catch some bad translations! I know I always do. (What does Netflix pay subtitle translators anyways?)
Remember, you're not translating per se. You're actually memorizing and building new associations with words and their meanings.
Using subtitles will quickly get your listening comprehension up to speed. You can even go beyond what you even think is possible. It's a lot easier than you'd think—but only if you follow my tips.
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Jackie Donaldson is the founder and director of Amidon Studios Language Studies. She started Amidon Studios in 2017 after managing a language institute in Lima, Peru for six years. She's taught students from all over the world while living in Peru, Mexico, and the U.S. When she's not working or studying, you'll find her gardening, playing with her cat Frankie, swimming, baking, and exploring the globe.