How do you learn English or another foreign language employing TED?
February 5, 2024
English speakers possess an indisputable edge because the videos featured on the homepage are exclusively in English and provide the option for subtitles in other languages. However, a multi-level quality control process is applied to their translations to ensure they remain at a high standard. Begin by viewing videos with subtitles; as your confidence grows, you can gradually remove them and continue to listen.
As stated previously, the interactive transcript of the speech can be utilized to observe the text in real time. You can hear the pronunciation of any word in the video without having to seek it in the program manually; clicking on any word in the text will automatically insert that segment into the video.
Extra TED for learning language
TED has expanded its reach beyond conferences and videos to include numerous other initiatives, including TED-Ed, an educational website educators have developed.
For hundreds of lessons, additional activities are available in the Watch, Think, Dig Deeper, and Discuss sections. Besides enhancing your knowledge, the supporting materials and vocabulary will benefit your conversation. You may utilise them as a language learning aid at any hour of the day, including breaks, commuting home from work, or waiting in lines, on account of their intelligent duration and topic management that is simple to comprehend.
Improve reading skills on TED
TED also provides a dedicated webpage called IDEAS.TED, which is brimming with articles on intriguing subjects. You will not experience even a moment of boredom while reading, thanks to thematic connections embedded in the texts, interactive exercises, and links to relevant videos or other articles of a similar nature.
Use TED to improve another foreign language
So far, we have concentrated primarily on English-language articles. However, could TEDx videos also serve as a resource for language learners of other tongues? It is possible, albeit with a minor increase in effort. This is some encouraging information.
One effective method for locating videos in multiple languages is through the YouTube platform. For instance, one could search "TEDxParis" and choose videos that pique one's interest while speaking French. To access content in German, one may search for "TEDx Deutsch" on the Internet. Individuals who are in the process of acquiring Spanish may access a distinct TED en Español channel.
With ingenuity and an understanding of geography, one can uncover multilingual videos from various regions of the globe. However, it is essential to note that events in major metropolitan areas are frequently conducted in English. Therefore, searching TEDxBerlin or TEDxRome does not inherently restrict results to videos in German or Italian, respectively.
Additionally, the TED website can be utilised to refine your inquiry. A comprehensive list of scheduled events and supplementary details can be located in the ATTEND / TEDx events section. A webcast or live transmission may be available occasionally, allowing you to attend the conference virtually from the convenience of your residence.
Additionally, one may begin exercising English while watching their (potentially) very first TED video.