Top 5 Kid's Shows to Help You Learn Italian
- Rina Stellina
- Dec 16, 2024
- 4 min read
While on my journey of learning Italian, I've found one thing to be most important: listening. It's so important to grasp the pronunciation, rhythm, and flow of a language in order to speak it effectively. How can you know how to make the proper sounds if you don't even know what they sound like? By listening to it- a lot!
A lot of other language blog posts suggested listening to the QVC channel, podcasts, or audio books, but I found these to be a bit frustrating and at times irritating (I'm looking at you QVC). On top of that, I didn't find them engaging enough, and I didn't have enough context to understand the words I was hearing. Another important part to listening is that you can understand the words being said, even if you haven't formally learned them. This is called "Comprehensible Input", and it's what really boosted my Italian language learning. I went from watching "La Pimpa", to adult shows on Rai such as "Non Dirlo al Mio Capo" with enough comprehension to make me laugh, tear up, and get angry at the appropriate parts of the show.
Now what is Comprehensible Input? It's just what it sounds like! It's language in a simple form with provided context, and in such a way that you can grasp the concept without having to drill grammar rules in your mind. Sounds magical right? It's not... but it feels like it is! Once you start understanding words and sentences while watching a show in a foreign language, it's like breaking a magical barrier.
Obviously kids shows are a great candidate for this, because they talk more slowly, clearly, and simply. They also often use context and visuals for younger audiences to better understand the plot. So without further ado, here is the list of kids shows that could help you with the first steps of your Italian language learning! Oh, and the most important tip: don't pressure yourself to understand! Just watch the show and let the words come to you. In hand with other methods of learning the language, you'll find that the words will suddenly start to make sense in your brain. And you don't have to understand it all, even a few words is great!
La Pimpa
Starting out as a comic strip in 1975, La Pimpa is a red spotted girl dog who lives with her "dad" Armando. It was later made into a cartoon in 1982, in which La Pimpa goes on various adventures outside her home that usually involve some various talking inanimate objects, such as clouds, a snowman, and even a train. This show is targeted towards a much younger audience, so you can expect to learn entry level Italian words, such as the seasons and names of animals. These episodes are very short, with an average run time of 4 minutes. This old Italian classic is not only a great place to learn new vocab, but is also a slow paced and comforting show. They do have a 2015 version of the show, but personally the original episodes are much more enjoyable. You can watch this show for free on RaiPlay with a VPN, or find them on YouTube.
Miffy
Miffy the bunny found on https://miffy.fandom.com/wiki/Miffy You might've already heard of Miffy because of a certain generation's new found love for her. Miffy was originally a series of books by Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna, first released in 1955. In 1984, they launched a series called Dick Bruna's Miffy Storybook Classics: The Original Series, but the one that holds a special place in my heart (and thus the one I suggest), is the series from 2003. Similar to La Pimpa, you can expect to learn very beginner vocabulary such as colors, seasons, and numbers. Miffy is also a great place to learn and listen to the language because there is a narration, and none of the characters have any dialogue themselves. This is especially helpful because the narrator explains everything that's happening, so it's fairly easy to follow along. You can find some episodes on YouTube or purchase them on the iTunes Store.
Rainbow Ruby
Rainbow Ruby cartoon photo found on https://www.animationmagazine.net/2017/01/rainbow-ruby-snags-spectrum-of-broadcast-partners/
With a catchy intro that will surely get stuck in your head, Rainbow Ruby is another great cartoon to get your comprehensible input. This Korean animated show from 2016 has all the charm and comforts to get you engaged. Rainbow Ruby, or in Italian, Ruby Arcobaleno, has a vocabulary a bit more advanced than the previous two mentioned, but it's repetitive episode structure will help you in memorizing certain words. After about five episodes, I was already able to sing along to the songs that are played in every viewing of the show. I found this show on Netflix, but you can also find it on Peacock and YouTube.
Fancy Nancy
If you grew up in the 2000s, you'll surely know of Fancy Nancy. In 2018 Disney Junior released a Fancy Nancy animated series full of charm and of course, sass. This cozy show will capture your attention and teach you a little more complex language concepts and vocabulary words. Found on Disney Plus, or also some full episodes on the Disney Junior YouTube channel.
Muppet Babies
Muppets are a long time comforting classic, and what better way to learn some new vocab with the tiny versions of your favorite puppets? This Disney Junior animated cartoon is another preschooler show, perfect for beginner Italian learners. You can find this show on Disney Plus or select episodes on Disney Junior's YouTube channel.
Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!
Hope you enjoy these 5 kids shows I've selected for practicing that Italian listening! Remember that even if you don't understand much in the beginning, just keep going! You'll get a feel for the flow of language and that's what counts.
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