Dramatic stories of romance, history, and adventure, doesn't that sound like a great way to learn English?
Classic British period dramas offer just that — a perfect blend of entertainment and education. With their elegant dialogue, captivating characters, and rich cultural settings, these shows allow you to immerse yourself in British English in an enjoyable way.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your listening skills or broaden your vocabulary, period dramas provide a window into the language, accents, and traditions of Britain, all while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
What are TV Period Dramas?
Period dramas are television series set in a specific historical era, often showcasing elegant language and detailed character development.
These productions usually aim to transport the audience to a bygone era, typically focusing on the lifestyle, culture, and events of that time. They explore themes like class struggles, romance, war, and societal changes.
Well-known British period dramas include Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Peaky Blinders. These shows often reflect historical realities while focusing on dramatic storytelling, relationships, and historical events.
Why TV Period Dramas are Good for Learning English
These shows offer the opportunity to hear British English in various accents and formal tones, providing a rich learning experience.
With well-enunciated dialogue and structured speech, period dramas help you improve vocabulary, listening comprehension, and cultural understanding.
Let’s look at the benefits they offer:
Pronunciation & Accents
TV Period dramas are invaluable for learning how English accents differ. Shows like ‘Call the Midwife’ and ‘Poldark’ expose you to accents that may be unfamiliar but are common in different regions. This helps improve your listening skills and ensures that you understand a wider variety of English speakers.
Formal vs. Informal Speech
British period dramas often depict a clear contrast between the language used by aristocrats and working-class characters. Watching these interactions gives you the ability to identify when and how to use formal English, which is particularly useful for professional and academic settings. Where might you use the formal English you hear in ‘Downton Abbey’ in your daily life?
Historical Vocabulary
Many of these dramas feature older vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. While some terms may seem outdated, they are still used in formal writing, literature, and academic English today. Learning these terms broadens your vocabulary and helps you recognise them in real-world contexts.
In-depth Cultural Insights
Period dramas aren’t just about language; they’re a window into British culture, history, and society. Watching these shows allows you to explore key moments in British history, witness how different classes interacted, and understand how British customs have evolved. This is a crucial part of learning any language — understanding the culture behind it.
Social Class and Language
Many period dramas revolve around the differences in how people from various social classes speak. This can help you to understand the etiquette, vocabulary, and expressions used in formal and informal settings. Understanding these distinctions is key to mastering English, especially if you plan to work or study in the UK.
Customs and Traditions
From afternoon tea to grand ballrooms, period dramas provide a detailed look at British customs and traditions.
These aspects of British culture are often reflected in language, whether through idiomatic expressions or conversational habits. For instance, ‘Downton Abbey’ showcases the importance of proper table manners and social etiquette, while ‘The Crown’ explores the significance of British diplomacy and public service.
Modern Relevance of Period Drama Language
While period dramas immerse you in the language and customs of the past, many of the expressions, vocabulary, and formalities they depict still hold relevance in modern British society.
Whether you’re writing a professional email or giving a presentation, you’ll find that much of the formal language used in 'Downton Abbey' or 'The Crown' is still common in business or academic settings.
Likewise, understanding the etiquette, speech patterns, and historical context behind British customs can help you navigate cultural differences.
So, while these shows are firmly rooted in history, the lessons they offer can be invaluable in the present day!
Popular British Period Dramas
Let’s look at some popular British period dramas that will not only entertain but also sharpen your English skills.
Call the Midwife
Set in the late 1950s and 1960s, ‘Call the Midwife’ is based on the memoirs of a real-life midwife working in London’s East End. This drama introduces you to both the British working-class accent and a more formal English spoken by the midwives. The show covers important social issues such as healthcare, poverty, and community dynamics, making it ideal for learning socially relevant vocabulary.
The show’s episodes often deal with complex social issues like women’s rights and healthcare, making it a great resource for learning relevant language, while giving you a chance to hear how people discuss important issues in English.
Language Learning Tip: Medical terminology and compassionate communication are recurring themes. This is ideal for learners in healthcare fields or those interested in learning about British social services. The show also features a variety of British accents, which helps develop listening skills.
Poldark
For those who love a bit of romance and historical adventure, ‘Poldark’ is set in late 18th-century Cornwall and follows Captain Ross Poldark’s return from the American Revolutionary War. The Cornish accent offers a melodic variation of British English, giving you exposure to regional accents.
‘Poldark’ is a great way to experience more old-fashioned vocabulary and sentence structures, with much of the dialogue reflecting the historical setting, making it an excellent resource for expanding emotional and descriptive language.
Language Learning Tip: The passionate and often poetic dialogue between Ross Poldark and his maid-turned-wife Demelza offers a great opportunity to practise emotive language. Why not try repeating some of Demelza’s lines in front of a mirror? This can help you develop a more natural sense of rhythm and emotion in your spoken English.
Downton Abbey
One of the most popular British period dramas, ‘Downton Abbey’ is set in the early 20th century and focuses on the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.
The show introduces viewers to various speech patterns, from the formal, precise language of the aristocracy to the more relaxed, colloquial English of the household staff. This contrast makes ‘Downton Abbey’ an excellent resource for understanding the different levels of formality in British English.
The series is a goldmine for those wanting to improve their understanding of polite conversation, formal invitations, and sophisticated exchanges, which can be useful in professional settings. The show’s handling of British social issues, like the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the working class, also provides valuable insight into the evolution of British society and its language.
Language Learning Tip: Mr Carson’s perfect diction and authoritative tone are iconic. Listening to his dialogue is a masterclass in formal British English. If you’re looking to refine your professional or academic speech, repeating Carson’s lines could help you build confidence and precision in your own English.
The Crown
For those wanting to understand modern history while improving their English, ‘The Crown’ offers a compelling retelling of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Spanning decades, the series not only provides a comprehensive look at British history but also introduces viewers to a more formal tone of English, especially in political and royal settings.
'The Crown' is packed with diplomatic and political language, making it ideal for learners who want to enhance their formal English. Pay attention to how Queen Elizabeth navigates sensitive political situations. Try mimicking her calm and measured speech to develop your skills in delivering formal presentations or speeches.
Language Learning Tip: The formal and often regal tone of speech, especially in scenes involving the Queen, offers excellent material for those learning English for academic or formal purposes.
Additionally, the variety of British accents, from the upper-class tones of the monarchy to the regional accents of other characters, helps learners become familiar with diverse speech patterns.
Upstairs Downstairs
Set in a large London townhouse in the early 20th century, ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ portrays the contrasting lives of the aristocratic family and their servants.
The series captures the major social and political changes of the time, including women’s suffrage (the campaign for the right to vote for women) and the impact of World War I. It’s ideal for learners looking to understand class distinctions through language.
The contrasting accents between the "upstairs" family and "downstairs" staff offer learners a perfect opportunity to hear both the refined tones of the upper class and the more grounded, informal speech of the working class.
Language Learning Tip: ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ gives learners a clear view of how class affected language in Britain during the early 20th century. You’ll pick up useful vocabulary related to domestic life, social order, and personal interactions between different social groups, all of which remain relevant in understanding British society today.
Practical Tips for Learning through Period Dramas
Use Subtitles: Start by watching the shows with English subtitles to follow along with the dialogue. This will help you connect the spoken and written forms of the language, improving both your listening and reading comprehension.
Imitate the Dialogue: Repeating lines from the shows can help you practise pronunciation and intonation. For example, mimic the formal tone of Mr Carson from 'Downton Abbey' to refine your professional English, or try repeating Demelza’s passionate lines from 'Poldark' to practise conveying emotion in your speech.
Take Notes on Vocabulary: Keep a notebook handy to jot down any new or unfamiliar words. Watching 'Call the Midwife' you might encounter medical terms like “antenatal” or “breech birth,” which could be handy if you work in healthcare or are learning about British social services. Looking them up later will reinforce your learning and help you expand your vocabulary.
Watch with and without Subtitles: Once you feel confident, challenge yourself by watching without subtitles. This is a great way to test your comprehension and see how much you’ve progressed.
Focused Listening: Pay close attention to how characters express emotions, ask questions, or give instructions. Practising these elements in your own conversations will help make your English sound more natural.
A Quick Note on Generalisations
While period dramas are a wonderful tool for learning English, it's important to remember that these shows often include certain generalisations or stereotypes about British society and language that reflect the time periods they portray.
They are meant to be enjoyed as entertaining representations of history, and this guide is intended to be light-hearted and educational. The goal is to help you learn, not to offend or label anyone, so enjoy the shows and take the language insights with a pinch of salt!
Making Learning Fun
One of the biggest challenges in language learning is staying motivated. Period dramas offer a perfect solution by combining education with entertainment. These shows transport you to another time, all while helping you build confidence in your language skills.
So, next time you sit down to watch something, consider swapping your usual show for a British classic. You'll find yourself stepping into a world of history, intrigue, and language growth that’ll make your English learning journey both enjoyable and rewarding.
You’re not just learning a language; you’re gaining insight into centuries of British history and culture.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and enjoy improving your English through these captivating dramas.
Keep watching, keep learning, and enjoy the journey!
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, she also loves sport, travelling, and sharing her passion for learning with others.
