Video Fix: Sitcoms for language learning

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Rachel, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Ross. Most of you are probably aware that I’m talking about the sitcom, Friends. A sitcom is an abbreviation of the full term “situation comedy” – a genre of comedy, which features recorded laughter, fixed sets, and auto conclusive episodes that last around 24 minutes. At least, that was the essence of sitcoms, whose function was to retain audience before the prime time. Seinfeld, Frasier and 7 vidas are some other famous sitcoms.

Extr@ is a language education sitcom scripted in a similar format to Friends, and produced from 2002 to 2004. The scripts content language that are simple and accessible for all levels. They combine wit, strong character identification and physical humour. There are versions in four different languages.

The shows feature two young women sharing a flat in London, Paris, Berlin or Barcelona. They have a vain neighbour who fancies one of the women – she does not return his affection, but her flatmate does. Their landlady has very strict guidelines for the tenants and she regularly checks up on them. A naive outsider from another culture is also added into the mix.

Check out the first episode of Extr@ in English, French, German and Spanish!


Written by Víctor Mir – Robert Schuman Communications’ Trainee at TermCoord. Víctor, who hails from Spain, studied in a German School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting, a University-specific degree in Linguistic Mediation and a Master’s degree in Edition, Production and New Journalistic Technologies

Sources:

  • IMDb, Extr@. Available at imdb.to/2I0BXMQ (accessed on 04/04/2018)
  • Manuls (2007). ESPINOF, Diccionario Teléfilo: Sitcom. Available at bit.ly/2HtlpA4 (accessed on 04/04/2018)