You cannot expect to sit in front of your computer and suddenly discover that you speak fluent German (for example) just because you spent half an hour watching German news. Even if you do it for months or years.
For some it might work to some extent… but hardly.
Just as when learning a language by watching films, you cannot 'switch off' while watching news. You need to be alert, present 100% and be in 'learning' mode!
See how to make sure that this will really be the case…
5 steps on how to use news as a tool for learning a foreign language:
- Choose a news site that matches your level.
Your first task is to find a news source that matches your current level of knowledge. For example, if you are a beginner in Mandarin Chinese and still learning to write, it will be very useful for you to try reading newspapers written entirely in Chinese characters. It will be better for you to listen to a podcast or live stream on news TV channels, which are ideal for language learners.
Another example. Tabloid newspapers are written in simpler language than broadsheet newspapers.
Moreover, the sources you choose should match the skills you are aiming for. News is mainly a useful tool for those who want to improve either their listening skills or their reading skills (or both). Decide which skill has a higher priority for you and act accordingly.
Also, there are news websites specifically designed for language learners. More about them shortly…
- Concentration!
When listening to the news, you can simply sit down and let the words wash over you. This will help you get acquainted with the sounds of the language. Since news broadcasts run non-stop 24 hours a day, it's worth doing from time to time.
- Learn less and simpler.
If you are a beginner, do not overdo it with long news programs. Instead, listen to short versions. Focus on one story. Make sure you understand every aspect of it and master the pronunciation of new words. Pay attention to each new word and if you want to include it in your vocabulary, set aside a special place for these words.
Only after that can you move on to the next news story.
- Do not be too hard on yourself.
News can be quite complex material. If you come across news that is difficult for you to understand, take a break. Move on to the next story. News can be quite complicated and when you are starting, take it easy.
- Become a news lyrebird
The lyrebird lives in Australia and is known for being able to imitate the sounds made by other birds.
When watching the news, become this beautiful bird! Imitate what the newscasters say. This way your mouth will become acquainted with and accustomed to the sounds of the language you are learning.
News Resource: Where to Find News in the Language You Are Learning?
Do not know where to start? Do not worry! We have selected some of the best news sites for French, German, Spanish and even Chinese news (English sources are well-known – CNN, FOX, TIMES, NewYork Times, Washington Post and many others!)!
French news websites.
News in Slow French is a perfect resource for beginner and intermediate learners. The news is read slowly and clearly, which makes it as easy as possible for you to follow.
Radio France International (RFI) offers daily world news presented in simplified written French, which is wonderful for learners who want to practice their reading.
France 24 – the name itself suggests 24-hour news. This is a channel that posts much of its content online. It also has an English version. It is ideal for practicing your listening skills.
20 minutes is a newspaper that is distributed in France at metro stations and bus stops in the provinces. It is created to be read quickly and easily while travelling, and the stories are short with sensational headlines. The website offers many articles, which is a good resource for learners both from France and beyond.
German news websites
Das Erste is a German public television channel. It also has news streaming as well as current event coverage online.
Slowly Spoken News is an audio programme from German TV channel Deutsche Welle. You can download an Mp3 audio file from DW with news along with accompanying subtitles. This way you will listen and see the words at the same time, which is very helpful for any learner. It is updated every afternoon from Monday to Saturday.
Deutschlandfunk is a news radio station that publishes content online.
News Easily publishes the most important content from the past week every Friday afternoon in the most understandable language possible. This makes it perfect for beginners.
Der Spiegel is the most widely distributed news magazine in Germany. It posts many of its articles on its online website.
Spanish news websites
News in Slow Spanish is a news program that you can download. In it, the news is spoken slowly and clearly. There are 2 programs: one in Spanish as spoken in Spain and one in Spanish as spoken in Latin America.
SBS has a serious list of Spanish news programs.
About.com is a directory of Spanish news sources. This includes internet, TV, audio and print news.
RTVE. Spanish national public television and radio offers a wide selection of news programs that can be downloaded online.
Spanish News Bites have short news broadcasts in Spanish. A very good option for beginners.
Spanish newspapers are also a good option.
Mandarin Chinese news websites
The Chairman's Bao is an easy-to-read Chinese newspaper designed for beginner learners. It has news and many articles in business and sports. In addition, you can choose your own level, making it easier for you to find articles that match your abilities.
The Taipei Times is bilingual – with articles in English and Traditional Chinese at the same time. It covers news from Taiwan and around the world.
CNTV is a Chinese news television that broadcasts its programmes online. The website is in Mandarin, so if you are not advanced enough, use the English version to find a suitable programme.
BBC中文网播客 are the Chinese version of BBC news.
How Will You Use News in Your Foreign Language Learning Process?
Approach news as you would approach any other resource related to language learning. They can be a very useful tool if you give them the necessary time and effort.
Never give up and do not quit! The more your language knowledge grows, the more your skills to understand and speak it will develop. And in the meantime, you will learn much more about the world and become far more informed as you share this fruitful journey.
You could make this journey with Kabinata.com as well. Enrol in your language course NOW! Take advantage of practically unlimited resources on the best online language platform for foreign languages in Bulgaria.