Should I Watch Spanish Shows With English Subtitles

So, you're thinking about watching Spanish shows, huh? Cool! But there's a burning question: subtitles or no subtitles?

I'm about to drop a truth bomb. Prepare yourself.

The Great Subtitle Debate

Everyone says you should use English subtitles. It's the responsible, language-learning thing to do. They say it will improve your Spanish.

I say… maybe not. At least, not all the time.

Hear me out! Before you send the language police after me, let’s chat.

The Allure of Instant Gratification

Let’s be honest: We watch TV to relax. We want to escape reality. We don't want to feel like we’re back in a stuffy classroom.

Subtitles offer instant gratification. We understand everything immediately. Brain happy.

But are you really listening to the Spanish?

The Subtitle Trap

Here's my unpopular opinion: subtitles can be a crutch. Your eyes glued to the bottom of the screen. The actual Spanish language becomes background noise.

You're reading a translated script. It's not the same as immersing yourself in the language's rhythm and intonation. It’s a reading exercise, not a listening one.

It's like ordering pizza, but only eating the toppings and throwing away the crust. You miss out on the whole experience.

The "I'm Just Multitasking" Myth

Some folks claim they're multitasking geniuses. Watching the show and absorbing the Spanish at the same time! Impressive!

Except, our brains aren't usually that good at multitasking. We're often just switching rapidly between tasks. Not truly doing both simultaneously.

So, you might be missing crucial plot points. All while barely registering the Spanish words.

A Radical Idea: Watch Without Subtitles! (Sometimes)

Okay, deep breath. Try watching an episode without subtitles. I know, terrifying!

Focus on the actors' expressions, the music, the overall vibe. Can you pick up the general idea of what's happening? You probably can!

Think of it as a listening comprehension challenge. Don't aim for perfection. Aim for understanding the general gist.

Embrace the Confusion (It's Temporary!)

Yes, you'll miss things. Yes, you might be confused. That's okay! Confusion is part of the learning process.

Think of it as a fun game. A guessing game with hot tapas as the prize (metaphorically, of course).

If you're completely lost, okay, fine. Turn on the subtitles for that specific scene. Then turn them off again.

Find Your Balance

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're a total beginner, subtitles are your friend. Use them strategically.

As you progress, experiment. Push yourself to watch snippets without them. See what happens. You might surprise yourself. Or you might just enjoy the beautiful sounds of Spanish.

Ultimately, the goal is enjoyment. Watch Money Heist or Elite in a way that makes you happy. Happy watching!

Just maybe… ditch the subtitles sometimes. You might discover a whole new level of appreciation for the Spanish language. And who knows, maybe become fluent enough to understand Rosalía without lyrics on screen!