A language learner's guide to true crime podcasts
/)
In the past few years, true crime podcasts have gone from niche to norm, hypnotizing listeners worldwide with their mysteries and gripping narratives. An unexpected benefit? They can be an engaging learning tool to help you boost your language skills.
Here’s our handy guide on how you can dive into the world of true crime podcasts, all while supporting your language learning journey.
How true crime podcasts can sharpen your language skills
What is it that makes true crime podcasts so compelling? The answer lies in their intricate plots, complex characters, and expert analysis, making listeners feel like they're part of the investigation. What's more, unlike other forms of media, podcasts allow you to immerse yourself in a story while commuting, cooking, exercising, or relaxing at home.
But the “benefits” of true crime podcasts don't stop at entertainment — these addictive audio dramas can also be a tool for improving your language skills. Here are just a few examples of how:
Enhance your listening skills: With clear narration and detailed descriptions, podcasts are perfect for practicing active listening. You’ll hear a range of accents, tones, and vocabularies, helping you become a more confident speaker.
Expand your vocabulary: As you follow along with each episode, you’ll encounter a wealth of new words and phrases. From legal jargon to everyday expressions, this exposure can significantly boost your understanding.
Gain cultural insights: True crime podcasts often explore different aspects of society and culture, providing valuable insights into the world of language. This cultural context can deepen your understanding of the language and the nuances of the country where it’s spoken.
Boost your speaking skills: By discussing the cases with friends or online communities, you'll get practice expressing your thoughts and opinions in your target language. This will help you build confidence in your conversational abilities.
How to use true crime podcasts for learning
So, how can you make the most of true crime podcasts for language learning? Here are some tips:
Take notes: Jot down unfamiliar words and phrases you listen to, and look them up later to understand their meanings and usage.
Repeat and shadow: Listen to sections of your favorite podcast multiple times and try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers.
Discuss with friends: Share your thoughts on the episodes with friends to discuss the cases. This can improve your conversational skills and help you practice expressing your opinions.
Use transcripts: If available (and if you’re not driving!), read along with the podcast transcripts. This can help you better understand the content and improve your reading skills.
4 true crime podcasts to add to your list
To get you started on your true crime podcast journey, here are a few recommendations for English learners (that won’t give you nightmares!):
1. Serial
The pioneering true crime podcast. Journalist Sarah Koenig delves into the murder of a popular high-school senior and questions the conviction of her classmate and ex-boyfriend.
2. Sweet Bobby
"Sweet Bobby" is an award-winning investigative series that tells the story of an intricate catfishing scam, exploring the themes of deception and trust in the digital age.
3. The Dropout
“The Dropout” examines the spectacular rise and fall of the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire, a Stanford dropout who misled investors with her startup.
4. The Shrink Next Door
Throughout 14 episodes, columnist Joe Nocera exposes the shocking truth about his neighbor’s transformation from a seemingly respectable psychiatrist to a fugitive.
Time to grab your headphones, pick a podcast, and dive into real-life mysteries, investigations, and courtroom dramas — it's a thrilling way to improve your language skills.
Not a true crime enthusiast, but curious to explore the world of podcasts? Here are some interesting options in English, German, and Spanish.