By Published On: August 31st, 2017Categories: Article

Are you looking to take your language learning to the next level? Look no further than Twitch! In this article, we’ll explore how the popular live-streaming platform can be used to improve your speaking, listening, and comprehension skills. From interacting with native speakers to joining language learning communities, find out how Twitch can help you become proficient in a new language.  – read on to find out more!

What is Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming platform primarily used for gaming, but it can also be used as a tool for language learning. Twitch is particularly popular among younger audiences and gamers. According to a 2021 survey, the majority of Twitch users are between the ages of 18 and 34 and the platform is especially popular among men. However, Twitch has a diverse user base and attracts people of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in gaming and other forms of entertainment.

There are many types of content that are popular on Twitch, but the platform is primarily known for its video game streams. This includes streams of popular games, such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch, as well as streams of less well-known games.

In addition to video game streams, Twitch also has a wide variety of other popular content categories, including:

  • Music: Twitch is home to many musicians and music festivals, and streams of live music performances are popular on the platform.
  • Creative content: Twitch is also popular among artists, designers, and other creative professionals who use the platform to stream their work and connect with their communities.
  • Talk shows: There are many talk shows on Twitch that cover a wide range of topics, including gaming, pop culture, and current events.
  • Sports: Twitch has also become a popular platform for sports streams, including streams of professional sports games and events.

Overall, Twitch has something for everyone, and the platform’s popularity reflects its diverse range of content offerings.

How to use Twitch for language learning?

Twitch is a live streaming platform that is primarily used for gaming, but it can also be an excellent tool for language learning. Here’s how:

  1. Watch streams in the language you are learning: On Twitch, you can find streams in various languages and improve your listening skills by watching and listening to native speakers.
  2. Practice speaking with native speakers: Many Twitch streamers are native speakers of the language you are learning and are happy to interact with their viewers. You can participate in their streams and practice speaking with them to improve your speaking skills.
  3. Join language learning communities: There are many language learning communities on Twitch that offer language exchange sessions, conversation practice, and other resources to help you learn a language.
  4. Find language-specific streams and resources: Some Twitch streamers specialize in teaching a particular language and offer streams and resources specifically designed for language learners.
  5. Take advantage of interactive features: Twitch allows you to interact with other users through chat, voice, and video. This can be an excellent way to practice your speaking and listening skills in real-time and get feedback from native speakers and other language learners.

Why use twitch?

Twitch can be a great tool for learning a language, but why? Well, I believe the main reason is that you learn the authentic colloquial side of a language, compared to what you would learn in a standard language course. It’s important to learn the colloquial language when you’re learning a language because that’s what most people use day to day, and learning it will allow you to sound more natural and less like a robot. I personally found Twitch extremely useful as a language learning aid, especially for improving my listening comprehension. An awesome feature Twitch has is something called language features, basically, I can select a game/subject that I wish to watch someone streaming, and then using tags e.g. (French, German) I can select the stream language that I’m after.

Overall, Twitch is a powerful resource for language learning because it provides access to native speakers, other language learners, and a wealth of interactive resources. Whether you are just starting to learn a new language or are looking to improve your skills, Twitch has something to offer for language learners at all levels.