You Should Be Watching Sports
Everyone has something to say about what is the best way to improve language learning, maybe they are right or wrong but nowadays learning a language has become easier. First off, technology and the internet have made it easier for people to look for alternatives to practice their skills and one thing that has helped me improve my Spanish skills has been to watch some of my favorite sports in Spanish. I am a firm believer in finding something that you like to do when it comes to practicing another language and anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a huge sports fan. Back home, you could find me watching American Football, tennis, football, and hockey just to name a few. So, if you are an avid sports fanatic, I suggest you give it a try and you would be surprised at how much you could learn.
Why did I choose sports? They are extremely popular around the world and the majority of people love spending time watching their favorite team compete. Also, I am not sure how to explain it but it is such a crazy rollercoaster ride of emotions watching your team play every week. Since these sports competitions are so popular, there are so many broadcasting companies fighting each other for distribution rights domestically and globally.
So how exactly does watching sports help you?
1. Variety: There is a wide variety of sports in many languages which means the content is endless.
2. Vocabulary and Pronunciation: Sports terminology is used and it’s repetitive. Also, listening to the sportscasters throughout the game helps with the pronunciation of words.
3. Scientifically Proven: Some researchers say that by watching or discussing sports, it helps activate the part of the brain involved with playing sports and that helps to understand sports terminology better.
4. Relax Environment: Most of the time sports are watched in homes or bars with beers and food. This relaxing environment makes it easier to converse with others who are enjoying the game.
Although learning another language is never easy just remember these helpful tips about watching sports.
1. Resist the urge to try and translate everything into your native language.
2. Be patience! In the beginning, it can be difficult to understand everything but in time with more exposure, things will start to make sense.
3. Be Aware! There might be new vocabulary words or phrases that you haven’t heard before.
4. Don’t Force It! Sometimes that best thing to do is just to sit back, relax and listen.
P.S. The Superbowl is next month and why don’t you try to practice your skills while watching the game. Make sure to check out my upcoming articles about American Football to help you with understand and follow along with the game.