Learning a new language can be hard, especially during adulthood once the critical stage of language learning has passed.
Adults learn differently—their methods are more theoretical, something we call “textual knowledge.” Kids learn more organically by speaking with natives (their family/friends), browsing picture books, colorful vocabulary charts, and the like.
This difference in approach might seem reasonable because adults aren’t conditioned to study/work in colorful “childish” environments. So, like their peers, they stick to bland books and grammar classes with weeks’ worth of homework sheets.
Being a creative person working in media, I knew I needed something more interactive and appealing than a stack of vocabulary files. That’s when I turned to cartoons. The stereotypical view of cartoons “being for kids,” was my primary motivation to try it.
Cartoons have a simpler language, lighter plots, and slower pacing for children to grasp. But these characteristics are also helpful for adult language learners.
Complex movies and long drawn out TV shows like Inception and Big Bang Theory require significant cognitive effort that is better used for understanding the new language. So instead of enjoying and learning, it becomes a battle between plot vs. language comprehension.
These programs also require knowledge of local pop culture references, which most language learners don’t yet have. Cartoons instantly solve this problem.
How cartoons make it easier to understand a foreign language
In the cartoon Clifford the Big Red Dog, every episode is divided into two short stories with well-known morals like “sharing is caring,” “honesty is the best policy,” “participation is better than winning,” and more.
Conversational language
Most episodes revolve around a small group of friends learning to be better humans (and dogs!), so the language is conversational. The characters repeatedly use common phrases like “Let’s go,” “Where are you?” “I want this,” etc., which makes it easier for beginners like me to fully grasp the contextual usage of these expressions.
Entertainment Value
Studies over the years have consistently shown that both children and adults learn better when they are enjoying the process. Entertaining mediums like cartoons bring this pop of color to the process, making fellow language learners more likely to remember what we are learning. And since the process is fun, it also raises motivation levels keeping us engaged for longer.
Works well with a variety of learning styles
Everyone learns differently. Some are better at grasping textual content while others are better at audial comprehension. Since cartoons combine many of these elements (audio, video, text), it suits most learning styles. Auditory learners can enjoy the conversations while visual learners can enjoy the pictures playing out on screen.
It is also helpful for people like me who need a higher level of mental stimulation to remain engaged and productive. The mildly entertaining plots stimulate me just enough to stay focused while enabling me to pay attention to the important elements of language like grammar usage, sentence structure, local vocabulary, and more.
Nuances of language
Another advantage of consuming local media in a foreign language is being able to understand the regional nuances. Watching a group of friends joke together, witnessing street fights, and listening to family arguments teaches us how native speakers actually use the language. It teaches us emotive phrases that add a human touch to conversations.
Most of these topics aren’t taught at schools or found in a textbook. Yet, these are the phrases we use most often in real life. Whether it is talking to a language exchange partner or working abroad, knowing the regional nuances can take the conversation to a whole new level.
The saying is true: knowledge is useless without application. And in my experience, I’ve found the best way to use newly learned phrases is to watch and imitate natives doing it.
Cartoons like Clifford give me the context and practice to create a productive and joyous learning experience without the complexity of a fast-paced thriller or the monotony of a textbook.
Note: We are all different and my experience/advice may or may not be applicable to your situation and learning style. I’m only sharing my story and perspective for inspiration and it is not a substitute for formal education/professional consultation.