Listening is fundamental to speaking.
When you learn Finnish or any new language, it’s important to get a lot of exposure to it. One of the best ways to do this is by watching movies and TV shows. In general, it’s better for you to watch Finnish videos with subtitles, rather than without them. However, is it better to watch with Finnish or English subtitles? In general, studies show that it’s better to use Finnish subtitles when you’re watching Finnish shows rather than native English subtitles. Finnish subtitles are generally a slightly more effective study aid than English subtitles. However, if you’re a beginner, you’re probably going to need subtitles in English at first. Your choice of subtitles will likely change over time, as Finnish proficiency grows.
Specifically, while foreign-language subtitles tend to lead to better learning outcomes for most people, students who are just beginners might struggle with them. As such, if you have only a limited proficiency in Finnish, it might be better for you to use subtitles in English first, until you feel comfortable with having both the audio and the subtitles in Finnish. The main thing you should focus on is increasing the time spent engaging with material in Finnish. When choosing which subtitles to use, pick the ones that increase your motivation to watch things in Finnish, since the more material you watch, the more you will learn.
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