Can I just start by saying how excited I am to share something really cool with you? So, for the past year, I’ve been working tirelessly on MandarinMania.com. But here’s the thing, sometimes after a long day, the last thing I want to do it study Chinese. All I want to do is kick back, relax, and catch up on my favorite Netflix shows. Can you relate?
Now, I’m sure you’re familiar with Instagram being a great platform for quick language learning tips, but have you heard of the amazing StudyGram community? These Study Grammers are all about supporting and inspiring each other. They share everything from organizational tips and study programs to work flows and awesome advice. They’re a fantastic source of motivation!
One Study Grammar that I absolutely love following is @hannahlanguagesstudyjourney. I find her truly inspiring because she’s taking on multiple languages at once! Recently, she recommended another Study Grammar, @study_with_danai, and I wasted no time in following her too.
The very first video I watched by @study_with_danai was a game-changer. It was all about “10 Tips for Staying Productive,” and boy, did it motivate me! But that’s not all I discovered. She introduced me to something I had never heard of before: Language Learning with Netflix.
Language Learning with Netflix is a nifty Chrome Extension that’s completely free. It allows you to have two sets of subtitles on your screen simultaneously, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
You can set it to auto-pause after each line, giving you the chance to focus on the characters and learn Chinese in context. And get this, if there’s a character you don’t recognize, you can simply click on it, and a popup dictionary will pronounce the word and give you its definition. How awesome is that?
But wait, there’s more! My absolute favorite feature is the ability to print the subtitles in both your native language and your target language. Yes, you heard me right, it’s not just for Chinese learners. No matter what language you are learning, this extension is a language lover’s dream come true.
I was so thrilled about Language Learning with Netflix that I couldn’t help but create a YouTube video showcasing all its fantastic features. If you’re as excited as I am, go ahead and check it out below. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
SOME TIPS I DO NOT MENTION IN THE VIDEO:
Create a separate profile on Netflix for your language learning. In that way, you can be entertained in the usual fashion or study using the extension without one encroaching on the other.
I recommend using your desktop to search Netflix for “learning materials” to add to your watch list. I find the workflow a bit easier than on other devices. Plus, in order to use the extension you must be on a desktop or laptop.
You do not need to know the titles of films. You can do generic searches, such as:
- China
- Chinese
- Chinese Movies
- Chinese Films
- Chinese Dramas
- Chinese Documentaries
- Taiwan
- Taiwanese TV Dramas
- Taiwanese TV Shows
- Taiwanese Movies & TV
Don’t forget trying genres and themes too, such as:
- Chinese Drama
- Chinese Comedy
- Chinese Romance, etc.
- Exciting Chinese Movies
- Romantic Taiwanese TV Dramas
- Emotional Taiwanese TV Drama
- Soapy Taiwanese TV Drama
If you have a favorite Chinese actor or actress, you can also search using their Chinese or English name.
If you only know the star’s name in one language, try Googling to learn their name in the other one. Most if not all stars have both a Chinese given name and an English stage name. Knowing both names is especially useful if you do not find results under one of their names.
Once Chinese films appear in the search results, you can click on the options next to “Explore Titles Related To:” near the top of the screen. Doing so will give you even more titles to explore.
If you are new to Language Learning with Netflix like me, I hope you feel as excited as I do to explore this excellent resource.
I have to give a final shout out to all the “Study Grammars” out there. Your willingness to share with others, most of whom you have never met, speaks volumes about your beautiful character.
Want to find more “Study Grammars” to follow? Use the hashtag #studygram to perform a search on Instagram.
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As always, take care… and please stay safe at home!
Mandarin Maniac Ashley 🙂