TV Series for Learning English
- Friends
- How I Met Your Mother
- Lost
- Prison Break
- Breaking Bad
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Californication
作者：Luca Sadurny|来源：MosaLingua
We often talk about how important it is to watch movies without subtitles to really maximize your oral comprehension and vocabulary. But as I say in my article The Best Movies to Watch to Improve Your Spanish, we have designed a method using TV shows for learning English. American researchers have concluded that watching movies with subtitles helps comprehension (except for ultra beginners). Personally, I alternate between movies and TV series without subtitles, but I think that series have two distinct advantages:
我们常常谈论，看不带字幕的电影对最大程度扩大提升口语理解和词汇量是何其重要，但是正如我在《最佳电影：提升的你的西班牙语》一文中所说的，我们设计了一种通过电视剧来学习英语的方法。美国研究者总结道，观看配字幕的电影有助于理解（对于完全初学者来说除外）。就我而言，无字幕的电影和电视连续剧我轮流着看，但我认为电视剧有两大明显优势：
· TV series are ideal for learning step-by-step: we start with subtitles in your language, which are eventually replaced after a few seasons by subtitles in English. Eventually, you watch the show with no subtitles. With series, you can take the time to get used to characters’ voices and accents. The situations often involve repetition, and little by little, your understanding improves.
电视连续剧有助循序渐进地学习：从选择母语字幕开始，几季之后换英文字幕。最终你可以不用字幕就看剧。看电视剧的时候，你有时间适应角色的嗓音和口音。电视情景时有重复，渐渐你的理解力会提升。
· Series are engaging and often create a “dependence effect”: If you choose a good series that fits your taste, it’ll be hard to stop watching! You’ll be exposed to hours upon hours of a language without even noticing how much you’re learning.
连续剧引人入胜，时常营造出“依赖效应”：如果你选的电视剧合你胃口，你想停下来也难！置身语言环境数小时，你不知不觉间便受益匪浅。
Like I do for movies without subtitles, I will periodically publish lists of shows to watch to improve oral comprehension. Below is a list of series in English that I particularly enjoy. They are all educational in a certain respect, too:
和对无字幕电影一样，我会定期列出剧目清单，帮助人们提高口语理解能力。以下就是我列出的我特别喜欢的英语电视剧的清单。从某种程度上说，都颇具教育意义：
TV Sitcoms for Learning English
为英语学习者推荐的情景喜剧：
Comedic series known as “sitcoms” (like Friends) are easier for beginners:
电视情景喜剧（比如《老友记》）对于初学者而言较为容易：
· The episodes are not long, so you can stay focused, despite any problems you may have understanding.
每一集都不会很长，因此，尽管你在理解上可能会遇到问题，但是你也能够集中精力。
· There are usually not a lot of characters, but the ones who are in the show have a lot of dialog. You get the chance to get used to their voices and accents.
情景剧中通常不会有许多人物角色，但是在剧中的人物都会有大量的对白。因此你就有机会去适应他们的声音和口音。
· The vocabulary is from everyday conversations. It’s more useful to learn common vocabulary, obviously, as opposed to more specialized jargon.
情景剧中的词汇来自日常生活的对话。显然与学习专业术语相比，学习常用词汇更为有用。
I had formed a bad impression of sitcoms. I never really had followed one. The automated laughter and poor quality of some can be a turn off. But a few years ago, I forced myself to watch the first 5 episodes of Friends. Since then, I’ve really learned to appreciate sitcoms, to the point of not being able to turn them off sometimes. And I can tell you that my English has considerably improved. Now, I truly believe in the power of TV shows for learning English or any other language.
我之前对情景喜剧印象并不好，从未真正追过哪一部。自动化的笑声和部分低质量的作品实在倒胃口。但就在几年前，我强迫自己去看了《老友记》的前五集。自此以后，我真正学会了欣赏情景喜剧，到了无法自拔的地步。而且我可以告诉你，我的英语水平大幅提高。现在我真的相信电视剧的力量，有助英语和任何其他语言的学习。
Friends
《老友记》
[United – States – 1994/2004- 10 seasons – Sitcom/Comedy] Few people don’t know Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe, the famous cast of Friends. The story follows the lives of a group of New Yorkers in their 30s. With 10 unbelievable seasons, the show is full of wit and laughter. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening. You quickly get attached to the 6 people, and I will admit that I felt rather sad when I watched the last episode of the last season.
【美国-1994/2004-10季-情景喜剧/喜剧】很少会有人不知道罗斯、瑞秋、钱德勒、莫妮卡、乔伊和菲比吧——《老友记》中演员阵容脍炙人口。故事围绕着一群而立之年的纽约人的生活展开。不可思议的是，这部剧诙谐机智、笑声不断，共拍摄了十季，妙得令人难以置信，非常适合心情放松的夜晚。你会很快爱上这六个角色，我也不得不承认，观看最后一季最后一集时我很难过。
Language Concerns
语言要点
This show is ideal to start with because the English is not hard to understand. They use vocabulary that you would use in real-life situations. I had started with subtitles and then stopped using them with the last season. I really owe a large part of my English comprehension skills to Friends. You can easily find used copies for pretty cheap online.
这部剧对于初学者而言颇为理想，因为其英语易于理解。都是真实生活场景中都会使用的语言。一开始我还看字幕，而最后一季的时候我已无需字幕。我英语理解能力的提升很大程度上应归功于《老友记》。在网上轻轻松松就可以找到便宜的片源。
How I Met Your Mother
《老爸老妈罗曼史》
[United-States – 2005/2013 6 seasons – Sitcom/Comedy] A sitcom that resembles Friends in many ways, this show is a more modern version and has known tremendous success. It follows a group of friends In New York (like Friends) but it’s more frank about relationships, drinking, etc. The actors bring to life their characters who constantly find themselves involved in some situation. Even though I loved Friends, I think this sitcom is a close second.
【美国-2005/2013-6季-情景喜剧/喜剧】这部情景喜剧在很多方面都和《老友记》很相似，而这部剧更现代，且大获成功。该剧围绕在纽约的一群朋友展开（就和《老友记》一样），但其关于恋爱、饮酒方面却更为直白。演员们将角色演绎得活灵活现、宛如置身其境。尽管我非常喜欢 《老友记》，我仍这部剧能排的上接近第二了。
Language Concerns
语言要点
Like Friends, the English is not too difficult (although there is a lot of slang). You get plenty of practical vocabulary relevant to socializing. Other sitcoms: There are loads of different sitcoms for every taste. If you don’t like shows like Friends, take a look at this list. I also suggest The Simpsons, The Office, and Modern Family.
和《老友记》一样，剧中英语不难懂（虽然有大量俚语）。你能学到许多和社交有关的实用词汇。其他情景喜剧：对于不同的喜好都有各色各样不同的情景喜剧。倘若你不喜欢《老友记》这样的剧目，可以看看这张单子。我还推荐《辛普森一家》、《办公室笑云》和《摩登家庭》。
Beyond comedic sitcoms, there are more dramatic TV shows that people have loved. Some shows are major productions, much like a film. With series, the story can develop on a deeper, more nuanced level since it’s over a longer period of time.
除了情景喜剧，还有许多人们喜爱的更加戏剧化的电视剧。有些剧作更像是电影大片。连续剧时间跨度较长，故事情节能更深入、更细致入微地发展。
Lost
《迷失》
[United States– 2004/2010 – 6 seasons – Adventure, Science-Fiction] Following a plane accident, a group of survivors found themselves on an apparently remote, lifeless Pacific island. While waiting for help, they must learn how to survive on the island and with each other. But the isolated area also contains many mysteries… Lost is a very captivating series and was put together very well. The action unfolds on two levels: in the present, you see the mysteries of the island; in flashbacks, you see the past of one of the characters. What’s amazing is that this show manages to pull you in and keep you interested, with situations that build upon each other in interesting ways. I’ve watched 3 or 4 episodes at a time, only stopping because of not being able to stay up any longer.
【美国-2004/2010-6季-冒险/科幻】一次飞机事故之后，一群幸存者们发现自己身处太平洋上一座偏远又死气沉沉的孤岛上。在等待救援的同时，他们必须学会如何在这座孤岛上生存、同他人一起。然而这座与世隔绝的岛屿上还隐藏着许多不为人知的秘密……《迷失》是部摄人心魄的连续剧，构思精妙。故事从两个层面展开：现实中，你可以看到岛上的神秘事件；闪回中，你可以看到每个人物的过去。这部剧故事情境环环相扣，吊足观众胃口，令人称绝。我一次看三四集，只因太晚撑不下去了才作罢。
Language Concerns
语言要点
In Lost, you hear a wide range of accents, which helps train your ear. You can really hear the differences in the characters’ English, whether they are young, old, American, British, Australian, or Scottish. The vocabulary is varied and covers many areas since each character has his or her own unique way of talking.
在《迷失》中，你能听到多种不同的口音，有助训练听力。你能够真正听到不同角色说不同英语——无论是年轻人、老人、美国人、英国人、澳大利亚人或是苏格兰人。词汇多样、涉猎领域广泛，因为每个角色都有其独特的说话方式。
Prison Break
《越狱》
[United States – 2005/2009- 4 seasons – Action, Thriller] Lincoln Burrows is waiting on Death Row in Fox River penitentiary after having been found guilty of murdering the U.S. Vice President’s brother. But Michael Scofield thinks his brother Lincoln is a scapegoat, and being blamed. He devises a plan to not only get incarcerated in the same jail as his brother, but to also escape together. The young protagonist’s knack for architecture allows him to craft a brilliant plan, which is one of the most fascinating things about the show. The political angle and major suspense also make it a good watch.
【美国-2005/2009-4季-动作/惊险】被判谋杀美国副总统的兄弟之后，林肯·巴罗斯在狐狸河监狱的死囚牢房中等待死亡的降临。但是，迈克尔·斯科菲尔德认为他的哥哥林肯是替罪羊，在代人受过。他想出了一个计划，不仅可以监禁他哥哥所在的监狱，还能一起逃脱。这位年轻主人公对建筑造诣颇深，能使得他制定绝妙好计——这是全剧最吸引人心的卖点，另一看点是该剧的政治视角和主打悬念。
Language Matters
语言要点
After having watched all 4 seasons, I’ve mastered vocabulary dealing with criminal behavior, incarcerated life, and engineering. Since the plot takes place in an American prison, there’s plenty of slang and a good amount of strong language.
看了四季之后，我掌握了犯罪行为、监禁生涯和工程学词汇。由于故事发生在美国监狱，剧中有大量俚语和激烈言辞。
Breaking Bad
《绝命毒师》
[United States – 2008/2013 – 5 seasons – Drama] An honest Chemistry professor (Walter White, 50 years old) is afflicted with cancer, and to take care of his pregnant wife, and his handicapped son, he begins making drugs with one of his former students.
【美国-2008/2013-5季-剧情】一位老实的化学教授（沃尔特·怀特，50岁）罹患癌症，为照顾其生怀六甲的妻子和残疾的儿子，开始和他以前的一个学生一起制毒。
This series is one of the best. It’s got suspense, beautiful visuals, and great acting. It’s my favorite series (Sam).
这是最棒的连续剧之一。故事情节悬念迭起，视觉效果美奂美轮，演技卓尔不群，是我最爱的连续剧。（山姆）
Language Matters
语言要点
A little like Prison Break, the vocabulary you learn with Breaking Bad is criminal and drug talk. Jesse Pinkman uses a lot of slang, but Walter White, the teacher, talks rather normally.
和《越狱》有点相似，《绝命毒师》中的词汇有关犯罪和毒品。杰西·平克曼使用了大量的俚语，但沃尔特·怀特作为老师使用的语言比较常规。
Grey’s Anatomy
《实习医生格蕾》
[United States – 2005 – 7+ seasons – Medical Drama] The Grey of the title refers to Meredith, a surgeon in residence at the make-believe Seattle Hospital. The series alternatives between the stories of patients and those of the doctors. Slowly but surely, we learn about each person that works there and the relationship they have with each other. Grey’s Anatomy episodes are well written. Each case involves a mix of themes including friendship, love, jealousy, and life.
【美国-2005-7+季-医疗/剧情】剧名中的格蕾指的是梅雷迪斯，他在假想西雅图医院工作，是名住院外科医师。这部连续剧轮流讲述病人和医生的故事。渐渐地，我们可以切实了解每个在那里工作的人以及他们彼此间的关系。《实习医生格蕾》剧集写得很好。每个案例都有一系列主题，包括友谊，爱情，猜忌和生活。
Language Matters
语言要点
Obviously in a series like this one, you hear a lot of medical and scientific terminology. Even native speakers may not understand much of this jargon. Besides the specialized vocabulary, you do get to hear many idiomatic expressions (common phrases that don’t translate easily into other languages).
很显然，在这样一部连续剧中，你能够听到大量医学术语及科学术语。即便母语人士也不一定能够理解其中的许多行话。除了专业词汇，你也会听到许多惯用语（一些不大容易翻译成其他语言的常用词组）。
Californication
《加州靡情》
[United States – 2007- still on air – 6+ seasons – Comedy] Californication tells the existential ups and downs in the life of Hank Moody, a writer from New York who is working on his nihilistic book God Hates Us All. Forced to move to Los Angeles, which he hates, the protagonist is torn between his attempts to salvage his career and his relationship with his ex (whom he still loves, and with whom he has a child). The show is funny, with David Duchovny playing the main character. Between sexual adventures, alcohol and writing, Californication speaks on hedonism and transgressive philosophy in a funny way, with the media industry of California in the background.
【美国-2007/未完结-6+季-喜剧】《加州靡情》讲述了来自纽约的作家汉克·穆迪生活中的起起伏伏，他忙着写他的虚无主义小说《神恨世人》。不得已他搬到了洛杉矶，他恨那个地方，他挣扎着拯救自己的事业，费力地挽救和前任的爱情（他仍爱着她，两人育有一子）。这部搞笑的剧集由大卫·杜楚尼主演。《加州靡情》以情爱冒险、饮酒以及写作贯穿全剧，以加州媒体行业作为背景，通过一种有趣的方式讲述了享乐主义以及道德违背哲学。
Language Matters
语言要点
Curse words, slang, and strongly suggestive language are the main ingredients of this series. You’ll hear familiar, crude, and “very real”English, with word plays and much humor.
咒骂的言语，俚语，极具暗示性的语言是这部连续剧的主要成分。你会听到熟悉、粗鲁又“非常真实”的英语，充满了文字游戏，颇具幽默感。
Difficulty Understanding ?
难于理解？
If you have trouble understanding shows in English, don’t get discouraged! You may just be lacking vocabulary and oral comprehension practice. You just need to learn more vocabulary, and the best way to do that is to use our spaced-repetition method. You can get started by downloading our MosaLingua application to learn English.
如果你理解英语电视剧有困难，千万不要灰心丧气！也许你只是词汇量不足以及缺乏口语理解的练习。你只需学习更多词汇，最好的办法就是使用我们的间隔重复记忆法。
Conclusion
结论
I hope you have been inspired by one of these shows that Luca and myself have used to learn English. There are many others, of course. Don’t hesitate to add in the comments section below your favorite shows to watch for learning!
希望你能从这些卢卡和我用来学习英语的电视剧中受到启迪。当然，还有许多其他的电视剧。赶紧在下方的评论部分留言写下你最爱看的学习英语的电视剧吧！
看电影学英语：30部练习托福听力的电影
2014年09月11日17:06 新东方
小编为大家推荐30部非常适合进行托福[微博]听力练习的电影，供各位参考使用。对于那些厌烦日复一日重复单调的托福听力训练的同学，放松身心，观看一部经典大片，不仅能够锻炼自己的听力能力，而且能学到最地道的英语口语，何乐而不为呢！
1. The Graduate 毕业生
2. The Lion King 狮子王
3. Sound of music 音乐之声
4. Casablanca 卡萨布兰卡
5. Finding Nemo 海底总动员
6. The Shark Tale 鲨鱼黑帮
7. Forrest Gump 阿甘正传
8. Sleepless in Seattle 西雅图未眠夜
9. Pretty woman 漂亮女人(风月俏佳人)
10.Shrek 怪物史莱克
11. My best friend’s wedding 我最好朋友的婚礼
12. 27 Dresses 二十七套礼服
13. Liar liar 谎言大师(大话王)
14. You’ve got mail 网上情缘
15. Notting Hill 诺丁山
16. True lie 真实谎言
17. When Harry met Sally 当哈丽遇到赛丽
18. Four weddings and a funeral 四个婚礼一个葬礼
19. Philadelphia 费城
20. Legally Blonde 律政俏佳人
21. Pride and Prejudice 傲慢与偏见
22. Ice Age 冰河世纪
23. Fifty First Dates 初恋50次
24. American Beauty 美国丽人
25. Runaway Bride 落跑新娘
26. Professional 这个杀手不太冷
27. The Shawshank Redemption 肖申克的救赎
28. The City of Angel 天使之城
29. Polar Express 极地特快
30. Bruce Almighty 冒牌天神