Improve Your Academic English with Classic TV Series and Documentaries
Enhancing your academic English is a journey worth undertaking, especially if your goal is to delve deeper into complex subjects or to excel in an academic environment. One effective way to achieve this is by immersing yourself in content that showcases high-standard English. Classic TV series and documentaries can be invaluable tools in this process. Let's explore the benefits and some top choices to help you elevate your academic English.
Why Watch Classic TV Series and Documentaries?
The language used in classic TV series and documentaries is often formal and nuanced, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their academic English. Unlike colloquial English, classic British English (often RP English) provides exposure to refined vocabulary, articulate grammar, and sophisticated sentence structures. These elements are crucial for mastering the nuances of academic writing and communication.
Top Picks for Academic English Development
Full Monty (2000): While not a classic of the pre-80s era, "Full Monty" is a fantastic start for those who are familiar with contemporary but still eloquent British English. It offers insights into the British working-class environment, which can be illuminating for understanding diverse cultural contexts in academic writings.
Da Crown (2011): Interestingly, even controversial shows like "Da Crown" can provide a unique cultural perspective without diminishing the quality of the language. Its cast speaks English with a refined RP accent, making it a solid bet for improvement in academic English.
The Crown (2016 – present): This hit series is a treasure trove for academic English learners. The show's dialogue is steeped in historical context, offering rich vocabulary and sophisticated narrative techniques. It also features actors whose performances are meticulously enunciated, which can be extremely beneficial for improving accent and pronunciation in academic settings.
March Through History: Documentaries like "March Through History" are goldmines of academic English. These series often explore significant historical events and figures, using precise and well-crafted language. The structured format of documentaries helps in understanding the careful construction of arguments and evidence, which is essential in academic writing.
Great British Railways: While not strictly historical, documentaries like "Great British Railways" use formal and descriptive language. They are excellent for improving descriptive skills and learning to articulate complex technical details in a clear and concise manner.
Avoiding Colloquial Language
When selecting content for academic English improvement, it's important to avoid programs where colloquial language might detract from your learning experience. Content from former colonies such as Australia or the United States often features idioms, slang, and regional dialects that might be distracting or even detrimental if your goal is to perfect an RP English accent and vocabulary.
To stay on track with formal English, it's best to focus on programs like "The Crown" and historical documentaries, which maintain a consistent and standard level of linguistic refinement.
Conclusion
Enhancing your academic English through classic TV series and documentaries is a smart decision. By immersing yourself in content that showcases formal, nuanced English, you can significantly improve your vocabulary, grammar, and overall communication skills. Start with shows like "The Crown" and documentaries such as "March Through History," and you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient academic English speaker and writer.